Tourism sector hit by global slowdown

NEW DELHI: Tourism industry has started feeling the pinch of global slowdown with the number of foreign tourists arriving in India showing a significant decline this year.

The number of tourists visiting the country touched 4,71,627 in March this year as against 5,41,478 in March 2008, which is 69,851 less than the corresponding period last year.

The decrease in March this year is due to the global slowdown, a senior Tourism Ministry official.

However, the official said, there is no let up on our part to showcase our tourist destinations abroad to attract visitors.

Tourism Ministry has launched a series of road shows abroad in association with tour operators to woo tourists.

"While roadshows are already being held in Singapore, Australia, Ireland, Malyasia and the UK, more such shows are being planned in Japan, Korea, Mexico," said Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) president Vijay Thakur.

"We will launch a month-long Incredible India campaign in different cities of the US and Canada including Boston, Los Angeles, California, San Francisco and Toronto in May," added Thakur.