India needs to explore newer destinations within the country, add valuable experiences and target younger travellers to grow the tourism industry, believes Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog. In an exclusive conversation with TravTalk, Kant discusses his vision for a renewed Incredible India.

TT Bureau

According to Kant, infrastructure is the key to grow tourism in the country. He opines, “Good quality tourist infrastructure and valuable experiences is what attracts tourists from across the world and the case is no different for India. Also, one cannot have growth of tourism without civil aviation and vice versa; they both converge and integrate. It is a great thing that now, Suresh Prabhu, who is also the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, will be able to drive all—trade, industry and civil aviation towards greater heights. I believe he will bring with him great dynamism to this sector.”

“Good quality tourist infrastructure and valuable experiences is what attracts tourists from across the world, and the case is no different for India. Also, one cannot have growth of tourism without civil aviation and vice versa.”

Commenting on the launch of the new website by Ministry of Tourism—Incredible India 2.0, Kant says, “I extend all my compliments to the ministry for putting up an interactive website. I feel it will continue to attract a vast number of international as well as domestic tourists. Incredible India has proved to be a great campaign and the newer edition of this campaign will bring fresh energy and dynamism to the industry.”

Though the new campaign has been well-received in various markets, Kant feels that if one has to infuse new energy, the country will have to seek newer destinations within India. “Newer experiences have to be worked upon to attract international tourists and domestic tourists alike. The target market also needs to be refocussed. There are a lot of young tourists across the world who travel for fewer days but take frequent trips as compared to other travellers. We need to target this new segment and simultaneously focus on the business traveller.”

Kant further points out that India needs to open the market for high-end or luxury travellers to boost tourism.