Foreign tourist arrivals reach 41 lakh from January to May, marking a 9% increase

From January to May of 2024, India saw 40.7 lakh foreign tourists - a rise from 37.3 lakh during the same period of last year, representing a 9.1 percent increase, reported TOI. Foreign exchange earnings during this timeframe also increased to Rs 1.1 lakh crore, as compared to Rs 88,441 crore of last year, reflecting a growth of nearly 22.5 percent.

Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat reported that in May this year, foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) were 6 lakh, up from 5.9 lakh in May 2023, with a 0.3 percent increase. Additionally, Foreign exchange earnings (FEEs) for May totaled Rs 17,762 crore, as compared to Rs 17,206 crore in May 2023, which incidates a 3.2 percent rise, according to the TOI report.

This information was provided by the government in response to a written question in the Lok Sabha during the monsoon session. Moreover, the government also shared a study that evaluated the pandemic's impact on the tourism sector and the recovery measures that were implemented.


Shekhawat emphasized that these trends signify a positive impact on economic growth and the development of the tourism sector. "The consistent increase in FTAs and FEEs demonstrates a strong and expanding tourism industry," he stated.

The minister also provided data for the last three years: in 2021, foreign tourist arrivals were 10.5 lakh, which increased to 85.9 lakh in 2022, and provisional figures for 2023 show over 1.9 crore foreign visitors.

He outlined several government initiatives to boost the tourism and hospitality sector, including a loan scheme to support tour operators, travel agents, and tourist transport operators, as well as the 'Dekho Apna Desh' campaign to encourage domestic travel.