People form all over the world visit India. They like to visit various historical sites Like Red Fort in Delhi, Taj Mahal in Agra and the alluring beaches of Goa and other places. The weather is pleasant in winter here as climates are mild as compared to the West. Many westerners prefer to spend their winters in India. Let us have a look at the composition of tourists visiting India and those of Indian nationals traveling abroad.

Composition of tourists visiting India

Inbound Tourists Statistics

1. Australia — In the last 2 years the number of tourists from Australia to India has doubled to a record figure of 1 lakh by 2005. In 2006, the number of Australian tourists’ arrivals in India was around 109867. It is hoped the number of tourists from this country increases further.
2. Tourists from Britain — Every year the number of visitors from Britain either come on pleasure trip or official numbering about 3000,000.
3. Netherlands — The inflow of tourists from this country into India increased from 42368 in 2001 to 58611in 2006.
4. China — The number of tourists who arrived from China into India increased from 13901 in 2001 to 705407 in 2006.
5. USA –The total number of tourists in 2001 from this country was around 329147 and it increased to 696739 in 2006.
6. Germany — The total number of tourist arrivals into India increased from 80011 to 156808 in 2006.
7. France — The number of French tourists increased from 102434 to 175345.
8. Sri Lanka — The increase in number of tourists to India form this country has been from 112813 in 2001 to 154813 in 2006.
9. Singapore — The increase has been from 42824 in 2001 to 82574 in 2006.
10. Nepal – The number of tourists from this country into India has increased from 41135 to 91552.

Other interesting facts about tourists inflow into India gives us a complete picture about the development of tourism in India.

Expenses incurred by tourists to India
Tourists coming from India have incurred an expenditure of US$372 on their visa cards in the year 2005. This has been a considerable increase of 25% increase from the previous year (2004). This is indicative of India being one of the fastest growing Asia-Pacific market for the development of tourists. Based on World Travel and Tourism Council Indian tourism will grow annually at the rate of 8.8% in the coming decade.

Earnings from Tourism
In the year 2005, India earned US$6.9 billion from inbound tourists, which is double the amount of US $3.1 billion earned during 2002. Based on Reserve Bank of India figures, 2005 had the fastest growth of forex inflow from the tourist revenues. During that time the inflow went up to 36%.

Mode of transport
Most tourists preferred traveling by air. Not much traveling was done by sea.

Leading Tourist Destination
Kerala happens to be the hot spot for tourists. It has several 2- star and 3 -star hotels. Tamil Nadu holds the second position in attracting tourists. Goa has lovely beaches and many tourists like to enjoy the warm weather at the beaches. The Taj Mahal in Agra is quite an attraction for tourists. Jaipur and Ajmer have lovely palaces, which draw the tourists’ attention. Benares is a popular place for tourists.

Average age of tourists
Tourists are mostly in the age group of 20-40 years.

Season of tourist arrivals
The peak period is between October to February for both business as well as leisure purposes.

Employment generation
Indian tourism has an employment potential of over and above 2 crores of people.

Outbound tourists statistics

• Indian nationals who made trips abroad numbered about 6.2 million in 2004. It came to about 7.2 million in 2005.
• Tourists visiting Hong Kong has been on a steady pace.
• Nearly 500,000 Indian citizens are given visas to Britain.
• About 3 lakhs Indian nationals visit Malaysia every year much ahead of US, Taiwan and Australia.
• Nearly 1 lakh Indian nationals visited Sri Lanka in 2004.

Tourism is good source of revenue for the Indian Government. Tourists from several parts of the world visit India to have a look at the ancient monuments and other attractions that India has to offer.

The recent extremists’ attacks on foreign nationals did deter tourists from coming to India, but this is not a long lasting phenomenon. The Government has ensured that visiting tourists feel safe when visiting India.

Efforts by Government of India
The Government has also created an infrastructure for better tourism promotion. Every state in the country has a corporation dealing with tourists matters in order to administer support issues that are related to matters concerning tourism. Much effort is made to preserve the monuments. Guides are there to help the tourists find their way.

Growth of Medical Tourism
The number of medical tourists is increasing every year. This is a growing industry and the growth rate is at 30% per annum.

Philosophy of Indian Tourism
Indian tourism is based upon nationalistic ideas such as Swaagat, which means welcome, Shayog implying cooperation and Soochanan meaning information. Other areas that the Government focuses upon are Sanrachanna or infrastructure, Suvidha or facilitation, Safai (cleanliness), Suraksha (security). Much attention is given to the tourist and efforts are made to make him or her as comfortable as possible.

India a Global Destination
India is becoming a global destination and many tourists from different parts of the world are visiting its grand monuments and buildings and alluring beaches. Tourists from France, Netherlands, China, USA, Singapore etc are coming to India to enjoying various attractions the country has to offer.

India tourism is a profitable industry. The growing middle class has also increased domestic tourism revenue. Even international travelers have also been adding to the tourist revenue coffers of the country. In the year 2006, about 4 million tourists visited the country and spent around US$8.9 billion.

Why this stupendous growth in Indian tourism?
The financial standing of the middle class has improved considerably and naturally the domestic tourism revenue has contributed well to tourism revenue coffers. The habit of going on weekend trips has been on the increase. Disposal income has increased by 10.11% 2001 – 2006 and lot of it is being spent on travel.

The effect of IT industry Tourism industry
The IT industry has brought more foreign nationals to India, who make weekend trips during their leisure hours. During their free time they would like to go for sightseeing. Also the growth of middle class income potentiality due to the industry has meant more tourism revenue for the Indian Government.

Future Predictions of Indian Tourism
The number of tourist arrivals is likely to increase by 22% per year till about 2010. The foreign will increase by 33 % as recorded in 2004. Several campaigns are being organized by the Indian Government to enhance tourism and attract more foreign nationals to the country.