Summer foreign tourists up about 10% in May

New Delhi, Jun 20 (KNN) Heat and humidity in most parts of the country notwithstanding foreign tourist arrivals increased by 9.7 per cent to 4.21 lakh  in May, 2014 over the same month last year earning the country foreign exchange worth USD 1.25 billion. The tourism is of great significance to the micro and small scale businesses particularly those in transport, hotels and restaurants.

The foreign tourists arrivals (FTAs) during the period January-May 2014 were 30.52 lakh with a growth of 6.6 per cent, as compared to 28.63 lakh with a growth of 2.6 per cent over the corresponding period of the previous year, as per the official data released today.

Thanks to rupee depreciation the earnings in rupee terms during the month of May 2014 were Rs 7,403 crore as compared to Rs 6,092 crore in May 2013 showing a growth of 21.5 per cent. With rupee depreciation the net realisations in the local currency tend to increase. In the first five months of calendar 2014, the earning in local currency was Rs 49,121 crore with a growth of 12.6 per cent.

FTAs in summer months are mostly seen in the hills of North India including Kashmir valley, Shimla, Mussoorie, Nainital and the North East along with some parts of South India. Besides, hotels and tour operators give special discounts in the summer months in the plains of the country. (KNN Bureau)