TravTalk India Online Magazine
There is a need to create synergy between state governments and the industry to improve tourism sector in India, says Suman Billa, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
Lipla Negi
Suman Billa, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, highlighted the role of hospitality sector in enhancing destination experiences, improving performance on the global tourism index and realising India’s vision of $1.3 billion tourism economy by 2047.
“Our potential is enormous, but our performance is lacking. We have some of the greatest attractions in the world, yet the tourist experience remains poor. How do we ensure these attractions deliver a positive experience? We need to create synergy between state governments and the industry. Results will only come if we optimise our actions among these players,” he said.
Taking a broader view, he noted, “Tourism’s contribution to India’s GDP currently stands at 5.04 per cent. For a country like India, we should aim for a growth rate of about 10 per cent.” He cited examples from countries like Turkey, which contributes 15 per cent, and Thailand, which contributes around 20 per cent, advocating for a 10 per cent contribution from the Indian tourism sector. “To achieve this growth, we must rely on market forces,” he emphasised.
Billa emphasised that supply is significantly lagging behind demand, and that a shift in the capital structure of the hospitality industry is essential. He urged states to enhance the ease of doing business while offering incentives and subsidies to attract entrepreneurs and investment.
“The importance of tourism for any government lies in its ability to create quality jobs,” he concluded. He suggested that effective destination management is one way to optimise the tourism potential of a destination without saturating its capacity and appeal.
