Tourism target cut: 8 mn foreigners by ’15

The action plan,which is still to be made public,does not cite reasons for this drastic downward revision of target. But it does acknowledge that currently,incentives for the tourism sector from the government are “very limited”. It also bemoans the fact that the decision-making power on most of the issues concerning tourism actually lie with other ministries or government departments. Promotion of tourism is not a priority for the other ministries and departments,it notes.

“These organisations need to give due consideration to the requirements of tourists in their activities,” the action plan says. “A more proactive and supporting role of government in encouraging the sector through tax incentives will positively impact the growth of tourism.”

India attracts less than one per cent of global tourists despite witnessing a healthy 12-14 per cent annual growth in the years immediately preceding the recession. That was much more than the global average of 6-8 per cent but unfortunately the good times did not last even five years.

Development of infrastructure,rationalisation of tax structures in different states,aggressive marketing of various unique tourism concepts like rural tourism or medical tourism,and a major investment in human resources are some of the areas identified for special focus.

The action plan also aims at doubling the current domestic tourism figures of 400 million by 2015.