TravTalk India Online Magazine
Though Buddhist tourism holds great potential in India, it has been one of the least explored. But, with the government now wanting to bring it into the limelight, tourism stakeholders help us understand what can be done.
Rajiv Mehra, Vice President, IATO
I strongly believe that in all likelihood, tourism will open for neighbouring countries first, which hold a lot of potential for Buddhist tourism, and therefore we can expect this sector to begin receiving footfalls first. As soon as the Buddhist source markets/ countries open, Ministry of Tourism should organise roadshows as well as mass media campaigns in those countries. But what is crucial is that the plan for the same should be ready now. There is an urgent need for basic infrastructure in the Buddhist circuit to be improved immediately. This may include roads, restroom facilities, etc. Being equipped with a comprehensive plan and putting it to action will be greatly beneficial.
Lajpat Rai, CMD, Lotus Trans Travels
I believe that if the government wants to highlight only Buddhist pilgrimage sites, they must come forward and make the destination world-class. Currently, the Buddhist circuit is in a pathetic condition. This is the time when there is no business, and the government should start focusing on the cleanliness, hygiene and upkeep of places. Now, thanks to the Central government, Kushinagar is being developed as an international airport. Once the airport comes, maybe the connection would also come. Once the state governments encash Buddhism, they will forget other industries. Widening the roads, getting electricity and maintaining hygiene would attract pilgrims to these sites.
Prateek Hira, President & CEO, Tornos & Gastroutes
I am personally seeing a few reasons that make me optimistic about this market opening up earlier. The travel distance is short and flights are economical from these countries into India, and I believe religious travel will be the first to restart as it is a way of life. Perhaps people would want to be blessed in the land of Lord Buddha after a devastating last year, so I call it an ‘Essential Leisure’. Buddhist destinations in UP and Bihar have many addressable issues and if these are addressed in time, they can become much more welcoming and attractive.
Deepak Bhatnagar, MD, Aamantaran Travel Company
Buddhist tourism, post COVID, will have a positive impact as devotees would like to undertake the pilgrimage while also having the chance to see other attractions that they may have missed during the time borders were sealed. Any development or positive steps undertaken by government would help in boosting the sector. We need to urgently improve the infrastructure and ensure good quality roads, hotels and tourist transport in this sector. This is still lacking as it is not up to international standards. We also need international airports catering to the Buddhist sector.
Sunil Gupta, Director, Travel Bureau
Our neighbouring countries have a substantial number of Buddhist followers and the recovery shall be faster from Southeast Asia and the Far East. Yes, there have been significant developments in connectivity and hotels. The new international airport at Kushinagar and more international flights to Bodh Gaya and Varanasi airport will further augment direct international arrivals in the Buddhist circuit. But, the first task is completing the roadways, which has been underway for many years, and to improve the remaining roads in the circuit. The next is good, paid restrooms.
Sandeep Jain, Director, Special Holidays
In my opinion, short-haul travel is the first thing people would look for as soon as the borders open for international flights. Buddhist pilgrims all travel short-haul, which offers good potential for the industry to fall back on its feet. Government initiatives must follow a pragmatic, sustainable and responsible tourism approach, and should yield good results. It’s important to prioritise the destination’s readiness with better infrastructure in place, especially with regards to health, hygiene and safety. Post-COVID, visitors would look at ‘New India’.
Sushil Singh, Chapter Chairman, Bihar & Jharkhand, IATO
I believe that with the COVID-19 lockdown having kept people from travelling or even visiting pilgrim sites, followers of Buddhism would be eager to pray at places related to Buddha. As of now, we haven’t seen any initiative by government, Centre or state. However, to start this market, the government should develop roads and reduce taxes on hotels and for agents (GST) for at least a year. Pilgrims will definitely come. India Tourism and state tourism boards, especially Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, can conduct roadshows and provide liberties in the visa fee.
Inputs by Nisha Verma
