New Delhi, April 7 (Inditop.com) Foreign tourists arriving in India registered a growth of 12.9 percent in the month of March compared to the corresponding period last year, said data released by the tourism ministry Wednesday.

According to figures, foreign tourist arrivals during March this year was 472,000 compared to 418,000 during the corresponding period last year.

There was a negative growth of 12.9 percent registered in March 2009 compared to March 2008.

Foreign tourist arrivals during this year (January-March) were 15.63 lakh with a growth rate of 12.8 percent, compared to 13.86 lakh during the first three months last year.

The foreign exchange earnings from travel during March this year were Rs.5,507 crore as compared to Rs.4,437 crore in 2009.

In 2009, the arrival of foreign tourists fell by 3.3 percent to 51 lakh.