With
India’s foreign tourist arrivals experiencing an unprecedented
growth in the recent years, India is heading high on the list of
preferred destinations. The year 2005 alone registered 13.2
percent foreign tourist arrivals compared to the last year. This
has resulted in increased foreign exchange by 21% in US$ terms
in the year 2005.
For
more focus attention of the travel and tourism industry,
Incredible India pavilion at WTM 2006 put up an impressive
presence. Over 15 states and Union territories and other service
providers such as hotels, tour operators, and airlines unveiled
their products at the mart from November 6-9 at London.
According to Ambika Soni, Union Minister for tourism and Culture
"India is one the most preferred destination and we are
happy to welcome more and more foreign tourists. India is 365
destination and the options are aplenty" Speaking on the
visa scenario she said "We are already giving a year long
medical visa for patients from abroad which is extendable to
three years and this is a great beginning. We are also working
towards more tourist-friendly visa policies and long term
multiple visas. Visa- on- arrival is another issue we are
working very hard at and are hopeful of positive result"
