Union Tourism minister K Chiranjeevi has said that the conclusion of the survey undertaken by the ASSOCHAM Social Development Foundation is incorrect.
The survey had concluded that there has been a decrease of 25% in foreign tourist inflow, and a decrease of 35% in the number of women foreign tourists into in India, since December 2012.
The minister said that Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in India during January, February and March 2013 had registered a positive growth of over 2% over the the corresponding months of 2012.
Chiranjeevi said travel advisories have been issued by various countries from time to time, advising their citizens to avoid travel or to take precautions while travelling to other countries (or certain areas in other countries) for various reasons.
"The Ministry of Tourism has already posted its advisory on the website www.incredibleindia.org, indicating that India remains a safe destination for international visitors, including women tourists," he maintained.
He said that the Ministry of Tourism has also written to all the Chief Secretaries of state governments and union territory administrations to take "immediate and effective steps for ensuring conducive and friendly environment for all tourists".
"They have also been requested to publicize the steps being taken or proposed to be taken to increase the sense of security amongst the present or prospective visitors, as also to counter the negative publicity," the minister added.
This information was given by the minister in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on Friday. (INN)