Tourism Industry - India

Conde Nast Traveler, one of the World’s most famous magazines on tourism ranked India among the top 10th tourist destinations in the world. Tourism is the third highest net earner of foreign exchange for the countryand also one of the sectors that employs the largest number of manpower. The growth in tourism industry has been about 230% since 1990 to 2000. It is estimated that the tourism industry could contribute about US $1.8 billion to the GDP by 2020.
Indian tourism is one of the most diverse products on the global scene. India has 26 world heritage sites. It is divided into 25 bio-geographic zones and has wide ranging eco tourism products. Apart from this, India has a 6,000 km coastline and dozens of beaches. India's great ethnic diversity translates into a wide variety of cuisine and culture. India also has a large number of villages, plantations and adventure locations. India is home to a great variety of wildlife and its reserves are well known throughout the world. It also has one of the world's biggest railway systems opening possibilities for those interested in rail tourism. India also has excellent hospitals offering affordable medicare and traditional healthcare systems like Ayurveda. In addition to this India organizes numerous fairs and festivals, which are quite attractive to foreigners.
Tourism sector holds immense potential for Indian economy. Tourism sector has the potential to stimulate other economic sectors through its backward and forward linkages and cross-sectional synergies with sectors like agriculture,horticulture, poultry,handicrafts, transport, construction,etc. Recogonising the importance of this sector, in the recent country budget, the provision for building tourist infrastructue has been increased from US$ 95.6 million in 2006-07 to US$ 117.5 million in 2007-08.

Regarding infrastructure
According to the Ministry of Tourism, during January - November 2007, total tourist inflow stood at 4402045 as against 3905596 in the same period last year, a growth of about 13%. Some of the most important requirements of tourists are
• Clean and adequate hotels with services provided as per the budget of the traveler.
• World class transport facilities that are comfortable, cost effective, fast and having high uptime . These can be further divided as: o Basic infrastructure such as roads, railways, waterways etc o Proper vehicles which are comfortable and clean.
Where do we fall short?
Accommodation
India has some of the finest 5 star luxury hotels. Most of these have been converted from erstwhile palaces to luxury hotels. The services and facilities that are provided by them are comparable to the best in the world. But this luxury comes at a steep cost and is not affordable to every tourist that comes to visit India. In recent times there has been an increase in the number of budget tourist who visiting India. Moreover the trend of backpacking ha caught up in majority of western and hence will further increase in India.
It has hence become imperative to develop accommodation facilities for this particular segment of the population. As per first hand tourist accounts some problems faced by such tourists are as follows.
• Insensitive service provided by the waiters and reception.
• Cleanliness standards not being strictly adhered to. There are certain factors that paramount in maintaining hygienic conditions. This requires clean bathrooms with adequate water. Using clean mattress, carpets, beddings, towels etc that is free from germs and contamination. Regular cleaning of rooms is also important.
• Value for money is basically expected from the hospitality industry. Also standard rates for the uniform services should be made mandatory by the authorities.
• Sensible and friendly waiting staff add to the comfort and pleasurable stay of the tourists.

Travel infrastructure
India is a vast country and provides a variety of tourism experiences. It has the beaches and sea fronts in the south whereas the northern part has some of the most beautiful peaks and hill stations. There are the tea plantations in the north eastern whereas the centuries old Ajanta and Ellora caves are found in the western parts. This variety can be enjoyed and appreciated by the tourists if they are sufficiently well connected by air or rail so that travelling can be fast, safe and comfortable. Infrastructure needs are looked after by Central and State governments. In recent times due to the advent of the internet e-ticketing options have become feature for booking tickets for rail and air travel. India’s railway is one of the largest in the world and most cities and towns have been connected by rail and air. Following are the shortcomings of the travel sector.
• Roads, railways have to be built and well maintained to make them effective.
• Proper consumer redresal forums have to be made available for speedy deliverance of the cases.
• Security has to be maintained for tourists.
Actual heritage infrastructure
The various monuments and heritage structures in india are its most valuable asset. The areas in and around them have to be well maintained to keep the place attractive. Reduction in the pollution causing events will prolong the life of these monuments. Beggars should not be allowed to defile these places of culture and history.

Strategy recommended
Viability gap funding
Under the revised scheme, the destinations are carefully selected based on the tourism potential. Master planning of these destinations is undertaken so as to develop them in an integrated holistic manner. The master plan is suppose to tie up all backward and forward linkages, including environmental considerations. Realizing the importance of destination development, the total outlay for this sector has been increased substantially. Important tourist destinations in each State, in consultation with the State Governments, are taken up for development. This include activities ranging from preparation of master plans to implementation of the master plans.
Market development by promotional activities
Developement of infrastructure require large investments that cannot be undertaken out of public financing alone. Thus, in order to attract private capital as well as techno-managerial efficiencies associated with it, the government is committed to promoting Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in infrastructure development.
Tourist information system
Formation of a proper information service cell Is a major requirement for getting relevant and timely news and details regarding the tourist destinations.