The global slowdown has led to a nine per cent fall in foreign tourist arrival in August this year compared to the same month last year, though foreign exchange earnings rose during the period.
Against 3.91 lakh foreign tourists visiting the country in August last year, 3.58 lakh travellers from abroad came here last month, marking a 8.6 per cent decline, an official release said.
The total number of foreign tourists who visited the country during January to August this year was 32.57 lakh compared to 35.40 lakh during the same period last year.
However, there has been an increase in foreign exchange earnings during this period.
India earned Rs 4,115 crore as foreign exchange from tourism in August 2009 compared to Rs 3,226 crore in August 2008.