India records significant growth in tourist arrivals

India had a significant growth in the number of foreign tourists visiting the country last year, say official figures. According to the tourism ministry, foreign tourist arrivals increased from 3.92 million in 2005 to 4.43 million in 2006, an increase of 14.2 percent. 'Foreign exchange earnings from tourism have also shown a phenomenal growth from $5.73 billion in 2005 to $6.569 billion in 2006, achieving an increase of 14.6 percent,' the ministry said in a note. 'Condenast Traveller, the world's leading travel and tourism journal, has ranked India amongst the top four preferred holiday destinations in the world,' the note said. The Association of British Travel Agency has also ranked India as number one among the top 50 places for 2006.

The country has been awarded as Asia's leading destination by the World Travel Awards. The Incredible India campaign itself has been ranked as the highest Recall Advertisement worldwide by the Travel and Leisure magazine. Although official figures are not out yet, tourism ministry officials say domestic tourism also continues to be upbeat. The ministry has also introduced 'Incredible India Bed and Breakfast Establishments' that will make rooms available with Indian families at affordable costs. It has launched an integrated international media campaign covering Europe, the US, Canada, Australia, the Far East and the Asia Pacific to promote India as a must-see destination.

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