Tourism gets 10 percent hike in budget
By IANSMonday, February 28, 2011
NEW DELHI - India’s tourism budget was Monday pegged at Rs.1,170.76 crore (Rs.11.7 billion/$258 million)) - a 10 percent increase over the previous year.
Most of the budgetary allocation has been earmarked for the Incredible India campaign with the aim to attract more tourists.
The sector received Rs.104 crore more than the last fiscal. Last year, the figure was Rs.1,066.13 crore.
Of the total budget, Rs.347 crore has been earmarked for promotion of the Incredible India campaign, which showcases major holiday destinations. It has been quite successful and has picked up many prestigious international awards. Last year, the figure was Rs.317 crore.
Like last year, this year too Rs.67 crore has been allocated for promoting domestic tourism.
Over 5.5 million foreign tourists visited India in 2010, an increase of 8.1 percent over the previous year. In 2009, 5.17 million foreign travellers visited India, while 5.28 million visited the country in 2008.
About Rs.499 crore has been earmarked for creating new infrastructural facilities like constructing budget accommodations, wayside amenities, tourist reception centres, refurbishment of monuments, adventure and sports facilities and illumination of monuments. In the last budget, the figure was Rs.468 crore.
