Can tourism be a game changer for India?

“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.”         

                                                                                                                                  – St. Augustine

Tourism is a recreational activity which involves going from one place to another and staying at that place. Apart from the relief that it brings for tourists, tourism has many positive effects on the economy of different countries.
Many of the world’s countries are known and greatly dependent on Tourism, for example, Maldives, Mauritius, Singapore, etc. In India too, tourism plays an important role in the Indian economy.
Tourism, in India, can play a fundamental role in not only propelling the Indian economy to $5 trillion but also in other spheres like cultural and social inclusiveness. Thus, tourism can be a game-changer for India in multiple spheres.
This essay will look into various aspects which can be positively benefited by the growth of tourism. It will also look into some of the side effects of tourism. It will also look at ways to overcome the issues so that the potential of tourism can be fully utilized.
India is a land of tourism. People have been coming in and going out since ancient times for different purposes. For instance, Hieun Tsang, Ibn Batuta, Abdur Razzaq came to India and traveled its length and breadth. Similarly, Ashoka the Great sent his own son and daughter to other countries to spread Buddhism.
Tourism can play an important part in the political integration of different parts and communities of India. For instance, the Government of India is actively promoting tourism in the Kashmir valley and the northeastern regions of India to strengthen connectivity and integration. This can prove to be a game-changer.
The political integration can have a profound impact on the economy of the country. It creates many direct and indirect jobs like hospitality, guides, transporters, local shops, etc. The investment benefit analysis of tourism is very high.
One of the direct effects of job creation is a reduction in unemployment and revenue to the government. It creates a virtuous cycle of demand, job investment in the country. Foreign tourists help earn foreign exchange.
It also results in the creation of infrastructure in the country like roads, highways, hotels, aviation, etc. For instance, the government has initiated the UDAN scheme for regional aviation development. It is also working on the Char Dham highway for tourism in Char Dhams. Tourism, thus can single-handedly change the economy of India.
Not just economically, tourism also acts as a catalyst for deepening the socio-cultural fabric of India. Tourism results in cultural exchange which enriches both cultures. It also helps in preserving various arts like Bandhani, Laharia (Rajasthan), Phulkari (Punjab) and spreading it to other parts.
This cultural exchange increases the bond and integration among people. It strengthens the idea of India and diversity; for instance, due to tourism, a sizeable community from North India now resides in South India. Similarly, one can find multiple shops of South Indian cuisine in North India.
It also helps in preserving the historical monuments and traditions of India – be it secular or religious. For instance, the Archaeological Survey of India actively works to preserve various monuments like Red Fort, Sanchi Stupa, Rani ki Vav, etc.
India also experiences religious tourism like Amarnath Yatra, Hajj, Kumbh Mela, etc. It not only keeps alive our religious traditions but also helps in building harmony; for instance, in Amarnath Yatra, most of the tourists are Hindus but porters are Muslims. It is a fine example of religious harmony and syncretic culture.
Tourism also promotes inclusive growth. It helps in the upliftment of marginalized sections of society. For instance, women benefit a lot from tourism. It gives employment to them and financial independence; for example, women practicing Madhubani art in Bihar earn a good income by selling the paintings. For example, tourism in tribal areas will not only give employment to them but will also help build a positive attitude towards tribals in mainstream society.
Tourism can also help India develop various other facets of wholesome life. For example, medical tourism is robust in India which helps raise the health standards for the entire country.
Similarly, the increasing trend of environmental tourism propels the countries to preserve their pristine nature; for example, many people go to Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Ladakh to see untouched nature. Tourism in various National Parks like Jim Corbett, Kaziranga also helps in wildlife conservation.
Tourism also helps in increasing humanitarianism among people; many people offer free services like food, lodging etc to tourists. The Government of India has also started a scheme called “Seva Bhoj” under which such organizations are helped and promoted.
Apart from various positive effects of tourism in India within its borders, tourism helps India in the international sphere too. It helps build stronger relationships, creates goodwill and cooperation; for example, former Prime Minister Pt. Nehru said that tourism is not just a foreign exchange earner but an active way of seeking cooperation and peace.
While tourism can prove to be a game-changer for India in multiple aspects, it has some negative consequences also. These factors may hinder the utilization of tourism potential.
Though tourism helps in creating employment, this employment is often seasonal which renders people involved in tourism business workless in lean seasons. Moreover, the economy now depends on outside people and becomes vulnerable to different factors like law and order; for example, tourism takes a dip whenever the security situation worsens in Kashmir leaving local people high and dry.
Tourism often results in harm to the environment, wildlife, biodiversity etc – Mountains are cut, forests are cleared to create infrastructure. This not only causes irreparable damage to the environment but increases the risk of disaster; for example, Uttarakhand floods were more a result of manmade causes than natural causes.
It also costs India its image on the international stage particularly when it fails to provide security to foreign tourists; for example, cases of foreign tourists being raped or looted in India cause international shame.
Moreover, India has also to take into account national security concerns. It has to create enough provisions and measures to restrict foreigners’ entry in sensitive zones like border areas, some northeastern states etc.
Though there are some drawbacks which may result from tourism but they can be overcome by having regulated tourism.
The tension between infrastructure creation and environment can be resolved through sustainable tourism. The state has to create clear rules for expanding infrastructure, environmental impact assessment, waste management rules etc., and implement them strictly.
Similarly, the youth and local people have to be trained in multiple skills so that they can earn a livelihood in lean seasons also. Moreover, not all areas suffer from the issue of seasonal tourism.
With respect to safety of foreign tourists, the government is anyway duty-bound to maintain law and order and ensure safety of people. Apart from this., there should be sensitization among people about repercussions of their actions like duping tourists. The government also needs to provide various help avenues to people for their safety.
Tourism has great potential for resolving India’s many problems. The economy of the country will be the biggest beneficiary of tourism. It will also help in strengthening bonds of love among people, communal harmony, cultural exchange etc.
The Government of India is also actively promoting tourism in India because of its potential. It has started various schemes like PRASAD,