New Delhi, Aug 18 - Tourism in India has grown steadily in the past few years despite rise in world crude oil prices and the global meltdown, but it is yet to see its full potential, Tourism Minister Kumari Selja said Tuesday.

'It is heartening to note that in spite of rise in world crude price, global financial meltdown, tourism in India has grown steadily and has witnessed great buoyancy in the last few years,' Selja said at the first inter-state regional conference of the tourism ministers of the north and central states.

She said the number of Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) has increased by 5.6 percent in 2008 over 2007. Although the figure fell this year because of the Novemeber 2008 Mumbai terror attacks and the economic slowdown, a reversal is being seen June 2009 onwards.

About 5.37 million foreign tourists visited India in 2008. The first five months of 2009 showed a sharp decline in the number of foreign tourists arrivals, compared to the same period in 2008, but a slight increase was witnessed in June and July.

Selja also highlighted that the Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEE) have increased to $11,747 million in 2008 from $3,103 million in 2002.

But she said the sector is yet to see 'its full potential' and immediate attention needs to be given to security and safety of the tourists, especially women tourists.

'The growth of tourism sector would depend on the inflow of the domestic and foreign tourists that could be ensured only when we are able to provide them with a safe and secure environment,' she said, adding it must be asked whether India is as safe as other global tourist destinations.

Describing domestic tourism as the 'backbone', Selja said an estimated 561 million domestic tourist visits were reported during 2009.

'With the rapid economic development taking place in the country, the availability of greater disposable income and affordable holiday packages, tourism in India is increasing steadily,' she said, adding she believed domestic tourism would remain as the backbone and provide much needed resilience to the Indian economy.