There is a lot of work to be done to promote India: LHW

ETW Staff

The rise in air travel and purchasing power of the younger generation has proved to be a boom for countries like China and India, but the Indian government needs to invest in the airport infrastructure to sustain that boom, according to Mark Greedy, Asia Pacific vice president, the Leading Hotels of the World Ltd (LHW). "In Europe, for instance, with the advent of budget airlines, tourists have a lot more money to divert into the hospitality sector. India with its rich history of culture and diverse range of parks and wildlife, can offer a lot to luxury tourists," said Greedy.

Based in New York, LHW represents more than 420 of the world's finest hotels and resorts, including the Taj and Oberoi Group in India. "The Taj and Oberoi Group initiated the concept of Incredible India and have succeeded in creating a brand image of India. The process needs to be taken forward. There is a still a lot of work to be done to promote India," he added.

Greedy expressed concern over the tourist inflow in India largely comprising away backpackers and business tourists. "The country still sees only 2.6 million tourists a year. The numbers leave a lot to be desired especially when you compare them to Singapore and Dubai," he continued. "The majority of our business comes from the corporate sector. When compared to China, India has a sophisticated and educated middle-class who have travelled worldwide and are now accustomed to staying in luxury suites. The Indian government needs to increase its spending on airport infrastructure, which is currently the key issue for India. "Tourism is also handicapped by poor marketing. LHW is a formidable force in the luxury hotel market and provides an umbrella for domestic established hotels and five-star properties, to attain creditability," said Greedy.