In the December quarter, the rupee depreciated 1.21 percent, even falling past the psychological mark of 91 against the dollar as Trump's tariff continued to weigh on the currency
The ministry, which records FEEs every month, said the FEEs from tourism in December 2017 registered a spike of almost 18 percent when compared to the same period in 2016.
Foreign exchange earnings from tourism during December 2015 were Rs 13,253 crore as against Rs 12,988 crore in December 2014, a growth of 2 percent.
To promote tourism, the Ministry provides assistance for large revenue generating projects and infrastructure development, among others. In the last fiscal (2014-15), two schemes - Swadesh Darshan and National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) - were launched.
Like exporters, based on foreign exchange earnings, tour operators should also get exemption of service tax on package tours as the payment is received in foreign exchange.
As concerns of euro-zone economic crisis and weak rupee cast shadow on India's hospitality sector, there were few reasons to raise a toast in 2011 for the industry despite increase in both inbound and domestic travel.