Can tourism be a game changer for India?

“…Tribal circuit envisaged under the SWADESH DARSHAN is going to change the entire socio-economic plight of tribals in Chhattisgarh. A state within India infested with left-wing extremism. The reason for this, as cited by experts, is the state of abject poverty of residents, forced destitution, isolation from the mainstream, and condemnation to illiteracy, now taking up arms against the state…”
This overhaul of these Chhattisgarh districts will have unprecedented externalities. They will be connected to a modern socio-political system, which will enhance their livelihood opportunities. An increase in access to education, healthcare services, roads, water, and sanitation will gradually lead to their better integration.
As Nehruji once said, “tribals should grow along the lines of their own genius.” Tourism indeed is a game-changer for these tribal areas and for India.
But the negative and hidden aspects of tourism coverage, tourist footfalls, more traders, and modern-day business conglomerates may give mixed results.
In this, we are trying to understand the historical and current situation of the Indian tourism sector. Then we will see how tourism can be a game-changer for India? And are there some pitfalls also attached to this development? Finally, how tourism can be made more sustainable.
From the eyes of the travelers:
India, from historical times, was a place of ‘awe and wonder’ for people from faraway places. From the Indus Valley civilization, 2500 B.C., we were not unknown to the Sumerian, Mesopotamian culture.
Greeks, Arabs, Romans did rich trade with India. Vasco Da Gama (1498) came to Calicut but even before him Al Bourns (from Morocco) talked about his travel to India in Rihla. Buddhism being originated in India attracted Fa-Hien and Hieun-Tsang.
Even in modern times, India presents a plentitude of tourist attractions. Endowed with diverse geographic topography, tourism in adventure sports, ecotourism, etc., also is a huge attraction.
Tourism: A game-changer?
In the above-mentioned arguments, we have seen that India since ancient times has presented itself as being the tourist HOTSPOT.
However, today’s situation has changed. Tourism is a sunrise sector with a huge contribution to GDP and employing 30 million people directly and indirectly. The government has established the Ministry of Tourism for a dedicated policy response and direction.
But, our tourism potential is hugely untapped, which is evident in the lever number of tourist footfalls.
Our neighbors especially – Bhutan, Sri Lanka receive greater tourism/GDP contribution in their economy. Our ranking in the World Economic Forum’s ‘Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index’ is much lower than European countries. Schengen area countries and USA experience higher tourist inflow.
Most of India’s earnings constitute from few areas of ecological interest, architectural interest, or religious interest. Domestic tourism also contributes to a greater extent to the tourism earnings.
India presents a mix of tourism opportunities like medical tourism, ecotourism, adventure sports, rural tourism, etc.
Religious tourism forms a large share of domestic earnings; some such attractions are – Chardham Yatra (Badrinath, Kedarnath, Dwarka, Puri, and Rameshwaram), Vaishnodevi (Jammu), Kamakhya Devi (Assam), Salim Chisti Dargaah (Ajmer) are some such places.
It is also helpful in our religious diplomacy with countries. For instance, Kartarpur Corridor with Pakistan, Bodh-Gaya and Buddhism-related programs with Myanmar and South Korea.
Not only religious but also many tourists from western countries come to India for SPIRITUAL experiences. Rishikesh, Gangotri etc. are some such destinations. International Yoga Day (21st June) is one such outcome of it.
Indian hospitals, doctors, and advanced medical technology provide Hi-tech yet affordable healthcare services. This has made India a hotspot for medical-tourism.
Even in days of severe conflict and broken dialogue between India and Pakistan, many Pakistani nationals were seen coming to India for medical help.
Our 50 tiger reserves, hundreds of wildlife sanctuaries, National parks attract thousands of environment lovers, bird watchers. Promotion of ECO-TOURISM has become integral to the government’s environment conservation measures.
But the irresponsible tourism and lackadaisical attitude of local authorities, forest departments are leading to the destruction of forests around these areas. Last habitats, declining habitats, and biodiversity will hurt us in larger rum.
Therefore, the government is advocating along with NGOs – Greenpeace, Bombay Natural History Society for a more sustainable tourism.
Not only this, but Indian lakes, e.g. Kayals of Kerala (Vembanad), rivers in Himachal Pradesh, mountain ranges of Nilgiri and Himalaya provide ample attraction for adventure-sports tourism.
Rock-climbing, river rafting, glacier hiking, trekking, paragliding are some of the famous sports. The large swathes of Himalayan slopes after snowfall compete with the world’s best skiing places.
Besides above avenues, gradually rural tourism is also picking up. In the state of Gujarat, one such integrated tour is present connecting the industrial circuit with village life.
From the above discussion, it becomes abundantly clear that India presents a plethora of opportunities hitherto lying unveiled in the Tourism sector. This logically leads us to a question – ‘why tourism is not so much developed’.
If we want tourism to be a Game changer for India, we will need to remove the hurdles from its path to growth.
Despite having culturally rich heritage, diverse geographic avenues, we are failing in meeting the needs of tourists. Lack of cleanliness, hygiene, basic amenities is a major problem.
Programs like Monument Mitra. Iconic places are initiated to seek support from the corporate sector in co-maintenance and restoration of these sites. DEKHO APNA DESH campaign is initiated to enhance domestic tourism.
By local business Unregulated market mechanisms, exorbitant prices of essential goods are another factor that deters tourist footfalls. For this, the government needs to formulate a policy and regulate pricing mechanisms. It should be done in such a way that both local businessmen and tourists should get optimally compensated.
The inter-connectivity of tourist destinations situated in hill-top, or remote beaches (Lakshadweep), near river banks, jungles is not good. Dedicated bus or train services based on European modal could be followed.
Besides this accessibility, affordability, of quality healthcare services at these places is requested. During Kedarnath floods, many tourists were left stranded and unattended for larger durations.
Skill development of local youths and women for guide, translator, facilitator will not only generate employment but will also empower the local community.
Policy formulated by the government, protection guaranteed by police, implementation of welfare schemes by local administration is a solid necessity to see the number of tourist footfalls going up.
A well-grown tourism industry in India will not only contribute to GDP but will also lead to the development of local communities. More handicraft of local people, tribal