Speaking on the occasion of CII Annual Tourism Summit “The Wonder that is India” in New Delhi, Parvez Dewan, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, stressed upon the aspect of overcoming “0.6 per cent total tourist arrivals Paradox” which is lingering over the Tourism sector’s growth story inspite of rich history of India. Some of the areas of concern for which collective action is needed are India’s image issue, visa regime, cleanliness, poverty, security, and over population.
Some of the favourable developments ushering in growth of tourism sector are “I Respect” campaign, “Clean India” campaign, 83 per cent of visas to visit India being issued within three days, 19 per cent growth in domestic tourism during last year, 4.1 per cent growth in India’s inbound tourists in 2013 being higher than world average, etc. As India is inching towards 0.7 per cent of international tourists inflows, Dewan emphasised that India should strive for attaining the level of 1 per cent in near future.
Suggesting exploring the untapped opportunity in tourism sector, Mukul Sangma, Chief Minister, Government of Meghalaya, said that though strong foundation has been laid with the help of suitable policy decisions, still there is need to strengthen relationship with neighbouring countries, and upscaling internal security. These measures, along with strengthening cultural and environmental aspects, would facilitate in making tourism a vibrant sector.
In his welcome remarks, Nakul Anand, Chairman, CII National Committee on Tourism & Executive Director, ITC Limited, highlighted upon the catalytic role of Ministry of Tourism and opined that time is ripe for usher in a new beginning for this sector and seek transformation by learning to adopt by joining forces to pull rather than push.
Exuding confidence in potential of Tourism sector, Arjun Sharma, Co-Chair, CII National Committee on Tourism and Managing Director, Le Passage to India, said that we not only need to strongly propagate “Atithi Devo Bhavah”, but also need to aggressively promote “Brand India” both internationally and domestically. According to him, some of the grey areas affecting the growth aspect of Tourism sector and requiring urgent attention are Visa policy, Taxation policy, not granting of Infrastructure status, Aviation policy, International promotion and markets, and environment.
Reflecting upon India’s dynamic growth story Subhash Goyal, President & Chairman, IATO & STIC Travels, said that progress has been made in spite of numerous hindrances and Tourism sector has played a pivotal role in this along with helping in poverty alleviation. He suggested that industry should work keeping in mind overall national interest.
Adding a new dimension to concept of PPP (Public Private Partnership) Sujit Banerjee, Secretary General, World Travel & Tourism Council, India Initiative, suggested to place additional “P” conveying importance of “Patriotism”. In his opinion, Tourism sector may play a significant role in addressing and narrowing CAD (Current Account Deficit), thereby helping in economic revival.
