Foreign exchange earnings from tourism also recorded a robust growth of 19.2 per cent during this period as the exchequer earned Rs 6485 crore compared to Rs 5440 crore in the corresponding period last year, according to Tourism Ministry data.
Altogether 32.37 lakh foreign tourists visited the country during January-June 2012 against 30.15 lakh during the same period last year.
The Ministry had undertaken a series of roadshows abroad showcasing tourist destinations to woo foreign tourists.
Besides, the ministry has also launched a Clean India campaign to keep tourist sites across the country hygienic.
"Currently there are about six million foreign tourists coming to the country and our aim is to increase it to 12 million," a senior Tourism Ministry official said, adding, "For this we have to provide a hygienic environment around tourist destinations of the country."
Round-the-clock garbage clearance, maintenance of parking lots and toilets and proper signages at the tourist complex are some of the steps to be carried out under the Clean India campaign launched by the ministry.