Continuing with the growth trajectory, the Incredible India campaign has attracted more than four lakh foreign tourists in August, an increase of 5.3 per cent over the same period last year. Foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) during August 2011 were 4.02 lakh as compared to FTAs of 3.82 lakh during August 2010 and 3.70 lakh in August 2009, according to the Tourism Ministry data.

There has been a growth of 5.3 per cent in August 2011 over August 2010 as compared to a growth of 3.3 per cent registered in August 2010 over August, 2009. Currently, the foreign tourist arrivals in India are about 0.5 per cent of world tourist arrivals and the ministry has set an objective to increase the FTA share to 1 per cent by the end of the 12th Five-Year Plan.

The ministry has launched an aggressive Incredible India campaign showcasing Indian destinations abroad to woo foreign tourists. "We have undertaken a series of roadshows showcasing our unique products including wellness tourism, Buddhist circuit, yoga, rural tourism sites and serene sea beaches," said a senior Tourism Ministry official, adding, "Our efforts are to promote India as a 365-day tourist destinations."

A total of 38.19 lakh foreign tourists visited the country during January-August 2011 with a growth of 10.2 per cent, as compared to 34.67 lakh during January-August 2010. Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEE) during August 2011 were Rs 5,734 crore as compared to Rs 4,620 crore in August 2010 and Rs 4,115 crore in August 2009.