The official said the ministry is also focussing on creating infrastructure that will add to experiential tourism like adventure sports.

'Some of the tourist destinations in hilly and remote areas suffer from lack of connectivity. So the ministry has decided to grant financial assistance up to Rs.7.5 million to states and union territories for construction of heliports,' the official added.

The proposals for setting up of heliports will be part of destination development projects.

The aim behind this move is that it would 'open up several new destinations for tourism and also provide a unique experience' to both foreign and domestic tourists.

About 5.36 million foreign tourists visited India in 2008. The first five months of 2009 showed a sharp decline in the numbers of foreign tourists arrivals in the country as compared to the same period in 2008. But from June onwards, a slight increase was witnessed, officials said.

In June this year, about 341,000 foreign tourists visited the country as compared to 340,000 in June 2008 and 310,000 in June 2007.