The e-tourist visa scheme launched last year in November has brought in more tourists in the country with the Government data putting the footfalls at 1,69,976 during January-August, 2015 as compared to 17,120 during the same period last year, registering a growth of 892.9 per cent.
The number of foreign tourists who arrived on e-visa was 22,286 during August itself against 2,705 during the same month in the previous year.
At present e-tourist visa facility is available for citizens of 113 countries arriving at 16 airports in the country.
“This high growth may be attributed to introduction of e-tourist visa for 113 countries as against coverage of earlier tourist visa on arrival for 12 countries.”
During last month, tourists from USA topped the list in availing e-tourist visa facility at 25.93 per cent followed by Germany (10.00 per cent), UAE (8.92 per cent), France (8.76 per cent) and Australia (7.20 per cent).
The other countries were Canada (6.39 per cent), Republic of Korea (4.23 per cent), Japan (3.41 per cent), Russian Federation (2.37 per cent) and Singapore (2.22 per cent), according to a statement from the Tourism Ministry.