South Asia is so rich in its cultural mosaic and scenic beauty that it is surprising that we have paid such little attention to tourism with...
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South Asia is so rich in its cultural mosaic and scenic beauty that it is surprising that we have paid such little attention to tourism within each of our countries as well as within the region. For far too long there has been a tendency to look at each other through political spectacles rather than through the common bonds of a shared history that could help us transcend the differences and tensions of the past. In sheer economic terms, tourism offers tremendous opportunities as a major growth area for services and employment, especially for the youth in the region. But before tourism can be the catalyst for a new growth process, a great deal needs to be done.
While we can all derive satisfaction from the increase in tourism that has been visible in recent times, we must recognise that we are way below potential. There has, perhaps, been an excessive focus on hard-currency spending visitors from the West, partly because even countries like India tended to see the tourist industry as a hard currency earning enterprise rather than one that would energise the service sector and employment. In contrast, our ASEAN neighbours have devoted great care and energy
to boost tourism as a major industry at every level.
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India should take the lead in facilitating the path for regional and domestic tourists. We would need to take a leaf from the example of ASEAN nations and build the requisite infrastructure, in terms of road networks and accommodation. Five-star comforts should be available at affordable costs. Special training for educated youth to participate in this growth area would also be required as would tourist police to administer to the security requirements of these travellers. In tandem with this, the visa regime needs to be made more visitor-friendly. Above all, we require a change of mindsets in order to welcome visitors from diverse backgrounds, with dignity and charm. If we work at this process over the next 12 months in a focused manner, perhaps 2005 can turn out to be the “South Asia Year of Tourism”.
