The number of foreign tourist arrivals in the country rose 5.2 per cent to 1.05 crore in 2018, according to the government. The foreign exchange earnings through them also went up 9.6 per cent to ₹ 1.94 lakh crore last year. The Tourism Ministry provides financial assistance through Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD schemes for development of tourism infrastructure. In 2018, there were 10.56 million foreign tourist arrivals which was an increase of 5.2 per cent compared to 2017. “The ministry has identified Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhgaya in Bihar as one of the sites for development under development of iconic tourist sites in the country,” he added.

Source: The Hindu July 01, 2019 11:25 UTC