‘We Are Creating A Tourism Hub In Every State’

Jagmohan, minister for tourism and culture, government of India, talks to Anindita Chattopadhyay about Indian tourism’s growth in the last two years and highlights the achievements and challenges...

What has been the progress of tourism after the Prime Minister Independence Day speech?

In real terms, there has been a lot of progress in the tourism sector since the PM gave his speech. The tourism ministry has embarked on setting up centres of excellence to act as models and pace-setters for the rest of the country. In every state, we are creating a tourism hub that would highlight the rich and diverse range of our unique cultural, natural and man-made tourism resources. Ajanta-Ellora, Mahabalipuram, Hampi, Kurukshetra are examples of our attempt to present a resurgent India by interpreting and projecting our ancient heritage in a manner which is interesting to modern tourists. A National Tourism Policy has been announced in 2002, aimed at leveraging India’s strength as one of world’s ancient civilisations and to harness the direct and multiplier effect of tourism for economic development and employment generation. Domestic tourism, despite having a high potential, had remained neglected for years. We are laying emphasis on this area and consequently domestic tourism is increasing steadily. It has gone up by three crore this year, excluding visitors who take day trips. There has already been a 15-20 per cent increase in foreign arrivals this year compared to last year, although the peak inbound season is yet to start. The foreign exchange earning has soared by 20 per cent.

Has the tourism policy been successful?

It is too early to comment on that. However, honestly speaking, policy doesn’t mean anything unless it is implemented properly. I am laying emphasis on creative, constructive, focused and result- oriented governance and personally monitor the works that have been taken up. We ensure through interaction that the state governments utilise the funds allotted by us.

How are you tackling investment the developing hubs?

I had a meeting recently with hoteliers and received some positive responses. The Bharat Hotels group will come up with a 50-100 rooms hotel in Kurukshetra, while the Taj group has agreed to build a five-star property in Kanyakumari, which doesn’t have any upmarket hotels although lots of foreigners visit there.

International arrivals still leave much to be desired. What steps are being initiated to acquire quantitative gains?

In line with our Look East policy, we are opening tourist offices in Beijing, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok by the end of this year or early next year.

A delegation from the ministry will visit China in November. Opening an office in Tel Aviv is also in the pipeline. We will continue with our Incredible India campaign and extend it to Middle-East countries, which is a highly potential market. I am leading a delegation to Gulf countries to promote better ties and meet industry practitioners there.