Footfall of foreign visitors to Delhi’s historical monuments sites has declined in the financial year 2015 -16. As per the latest data of Archeological Survey of India (ASI), the annual footfall of visitors is decreasing from last two years.

In 2015, visitor’s numbers fluctuated from 19,687 to 67,856 (as per the data available from January to September). In the financial year 2014-15, the annual footfall was recorded at 68,069 and in 2013-14 it was 69,6610. However, in 2012 -13 it was recorded at 86,6839 highest during last four years.

Daljit Singh, superintending archeologist, Delhi Circle told The Pioneer that it is difficult to say anything on why the footfall of visitors is decreasing. “The ASI is providing all basic facilities to the tourists, be it travel guide or other services like drinking water, food cafes and washrooms. Also, we ensure security and safety to foreign visitors,” said Singh.

Jantar Mantar, Khan-i-Khana,Purana Qila, Sultanghari Tomb,Tughluqabad, Kotla Feroz Shah,Qutb Minar, Red  Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, Safdarjung Tomb are the popular monuments sites where foreigners visit the most, Singh added.

Though Humayun’s Tomb and Qutab Minar are the top choices of foreign visitors among the all monuments but number foreign tourist have registered a considerable decline on these monuments too. In 2012 -13 the annual footfall was 32,4098 and 34,4826 on both the sites  while there was sharp drop in 2013-14 with the number being 25,98050  and 27,9365. In 2014-15 visitor’s number was 24,3221 and 28,7045 respectively.    

The market research on foreign visitors of Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, pointed out that in January 2015 the percentage data of foreign visitors was 36.78 per cent whereas in January 2016, it was reduced by three per cent.

It may decline further and that is a major cause of concern for the tourism sector, it said.