Assocham Survey on Foreign Tourists incorrect, says Chiranjeevi

Union Tourism Minister K Chiranjeevi has said that the conclusion of the quick random survey undertaken by ASSOCHAM Social Development Foundation is incorrect.

The survey has concluded that there has been a decrease of 25 per cent in foreign tourist inflow and a decrease of 35 per cent in women foreign tourist inflow in India since December 2012.  The Minister said that the number of Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in India during January, February and March 2013 have registered positive growth of more than two per cent over the corresponding months of 2012.

Chiranjeevi said Travel Advisories are issued by various countries from time to time, advising their citizens to avoid travel or to take precautions while travelling to other countries/certain areas in other countries for various reasons. Ministry of Tourism has already posted its advisory on the website www.incredibleindia.org indicating that India remains a safe destination for international visitors including women tourists.

He said that Ministry of Tourism has also written to all the Chief Secretaries of the State Governments and the Union Territory Administrations to take immediate and effective steps for ensuring conducive and friendly environment for all tourists.  They have also been requested to publicize the steps being taken/proposed to be taken to increase the sense of security amongst the present/prospective visitors as also to counter the negative publicity, the Minister added.

This information was given by the Minister in a written reply in Lok Sabha on Friday.