- We have not been able to utilize our potentials in full. We lack positive mind set to do something big & that is also reflected in tourism field also. The biggest challenge for us to change our attitude.
- We have to understand our real problems and many of those are influenced by internal factors and external factors. Internal one includes a firm determination to formulate a clear-cut policy which should have tourism friendly directives. The Policy is totally inconsistent and policy is even changing with change of Government.
- Tourism is an easy prey to put loads of taxes by successive Governments – no tax incentive, no priority to tourism, no human resource development incentives – with taxes the destination has become an overpriced product – we can’t give the matching price which our competitors are offering. We are loosing business to our competitors on this account.
- In external terrorism is a big challenge. This is going to continue which has further been aggravated by rising energy prices, inflation, interest rates, upward insurance fees, spread of avian flue- these are serious threat for tourism sector and we need to put in place crisis management programme. We are yet to do our homework united.
- We are too dependent on cash rich long distance European/USA Canada Region for our international tourist arrivals. Anything negative happens in India, tourism becomes the first casualty and these tourists avoid India – these countries are over smart in issuing advisories and we do not response to fast first. To counter attack we have to work out strategies to attract middle budget tourist’s form the neighboring countries. Inter-regional-SARC region, middle east, which are with in 3 to 4 hrs flying time & can give us traffic through out the year.
- We have many things to offer, many unique products – it is hard to communicate all that to all visitors and now it stand as a challenge to properly position these products in these neighboring markets. All these products are acceptable to them.
- We have failed to reach new markets as we lack funds to do market research. We are now quite late to know about the Chinese market. They are moving to many unexplored destinations and they are quite high spenders, spending $ 175-200 per day per person. When going abroad like Indians spend lot of their savings in shopping. We have to reach this lucrative market. Business to business provide essential links & India should make right platform for reaching this new market. This is going to give real volume to our arrivals.
- New communications technologies are changing fast with visible impact on our way of life. The internet today has dramatically changed the world. What could not be ascertained by personal visits now can be known with comfort and authenticity with a button click. Our tour operators have to meet this challenge by updating their system.
- Concept of Border free world is in fashion & there is new grouping – E.U., Middle East, African Union, COTAL and Visa free and easy movements with in the region. We have to ensure we follow a visa free or liberal visa policy. We have still a very rigid entry formality – visa, RAP, PAP, Inner line permit and photography restrictions, high fees which are very annoying for tourists.
