The Hindu Business Line : Tourist arrivals up 23.5 pc in Aug

THE tourism sector is looking up. Following a disastrous 2002 in which foreign tourist arrivals from January to August fell by over 15 per cent to 14.66 lakh, there is now reason for some cheer.

While international tourist arrivals during January-August 2003 has gone up by slightly over 14 per cent to about 16.75 lakh, there was a 23.5 per cent increase in August alone, as compared to the same month in 2002, with over two lakh foreign tourists visiting the country.

According to an official statement here, the increased arrivals during the eight months this year also resulted in increased foreign exchange earnings. Forex earnings during the period went up by 19.3 per cent to over $2,215 million (Rs 10,566 crore) as compared to the $1,856 million (Rs 9,036.47 crore) earned during the same months in 2002.

Last year, the forex earnings denominated in US dollars had fallen by about 11.8 per cent when compared to the $2,105.31 million (Rs 9,862 crore) mopped up from foreign tourists during January-August 2001. Significantly, the foreign tourist arrivals in 2001 (January-August) were higher at 17.29 lakh as compared to both 2002 and 2003.

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