The number of Domestic Tourist Visits (DTVs) and the Foreign Tourist Visits (FTVs) to various States/ Union Territories (UTs) during each of the last five years are as below:
(DTVs/FTVs in lakhs):
The DTVs and FTVs reveal an increasing trend during the last five years except a decline in FTVs during 2012.
The Ministry of Tourism has formulated a draft National Tourism Policy 2015 with the aim of positioning India as a “Must Experience” and “Must Revisit” destination for global travellers, whilst encouraging Indians to explore their own country and realise the potential of tourism as a major engine for economic growth, employment generation and poverty alleviation in a sustainable, responsible and inclusive framework, to the betterment of the community.
The Ministry of Tourism held rounds of consultations to obtain inputs for the Policy from overseas tour operators, stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality industries, State Governments and UT Administrations, experts, veterans and eminent personalities in the field of tourism. The draft Policy was also hosted on the official websites of the Ministry of Tourism for seeking public comments. In addition, as part of the inter-ministerial consultations, the draft Policy has been circulated among 33 Central Ministries/Departments inviting their comments.
This information was given by Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (Independent Charge) and Minister of State for Civil Aviation Dr. Mahesh Sharma in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.