Tourism is India’s one of the largest service industries. According to the apex tourism council, tourism in India generated $121 billion in 2011. It was 6.4% of the GDP. Tourism is responsible for generating a significant percentage of total employment. Every nation is pushing for growth in its tourism industry. Thus in this cut throat competition India needs a strategic initiative to enhance its tourism sector.
Tour to Victoria Memorial Kolkata ( Photo : Supriya Banerjee)
For a strategic initiative in the tourism sector it is most important that we set our vision, mission and objectives and start working in that direction. For all this, we must look for the solution of the problems that are slowing down the growth of tourism in India. The problems are-
- Lack of infrastructure
- Tourist-unfriendly people
- Bad condition of public transport
- Lack of collaboration between the centre and the state governments on tourism front
- Lack of will to grow new cities as tourist destinations.
- Lack of competencies in the work force indulged in tourism sector.
Yamuna Expressway
Pending construction of Connaught Place
India has to improve its basic infrastructure. The facilities and the ease with which tourists travel in a country acts like a magnet to attract tourists. Our countries need more highways like the Yamuna expressway. Most of the highways in India are in shambles. Decking up of highways, railway stations and airports and construction of better public facilities will boost the tourism. The construction work once started must be on stipulated time. Pending construction works like the one in Connaught Place portraits a bad picture of the government and the country.
Taxi In India
People in India need to be more tourist friendly. Auto and taxi drivers always try to overcharge tourists. Sensitization programs must be run for the people. The tourism industry needs more campaign like ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’.
Delhi Metro
Public transport should be improved and people should be encouraged to take bus or Metros to their workplace. Congestion charges may be levied on private vehicles in congested areas of the cities. In suburban and rural areas bus services should be improved.
The central and the state government, in collaboration with the stakeholders like tourism agencies, hotels, airlines and railways, should prepare various plan and programs to improve the facilities provided to the tourists.
Amusement Waterpark in Chandigarh
Udaipur Palace
There is a need to grow new cities and towns as tourist destinations. Tier 2 and tier 3 cities like Amritsar, Madurai, Kochi, Udaipur, Guwahati, Pune etc have great potential of becoming hot tourist spots. A Disneyland kind of amusement park in Chandigarh can increase the number of tourists 3-4 times in the city.
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