New Delhi, January 9:

India witnessed another boom year for tourism in 2005 with double-digit growth in foreign arrivals that hit a record 3.92 million, according to data released today.

“Foreign tourist arrivals during calendar year 2005 has registered an increase of 13.2 per cent (over the previous year),” an official statement said. The growth, though half the 26.8 per cent registered in 2004, was good considering that it improved on a year of high growth. While 3.92 million foreign tourists visited India during 2005, the figure for 2004 was 3.46 million.

Foreign exchange earnings from tourism too reco-rded 20.2 per cent growth to reach $5.73 billion, against $4.77 billion in 2004.

With several new initiatives launched this year for hospitality, tourism promotion and infrastructure, the ministry is banking on another year of growth.