Managing growth in travel and tourism Ambika Soni, the minister for tourism and culture, is all about partnership between the government and the 'aam admi'.
NEW DELHI: Managing growth in travel and tourism, according to Ambika Soni, the minister for tourism and culture, is all about partnership between the government and the 'aam admi' (common man).
In a conference organised on Saturday by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) India titled 'Managing Growth', Soni was among the scores of participants who gathered to share their ideas and discuss the challenges on the path to showcase India as a brand destination.
"Tourists don't come to India looking for tall sky scrappers and superb connectivity. They come looking for spirituality. The common man here has a never-say-die spirit. No matter how adverse the condition, he never loses the faith to go on. That spirit is something which we have to our credit," Soni said.
While admitting that India is lagging behind in the global tourist arrivals and running short of 1,50,000 rooms required to accommodate the 11 million tourists expected at the Commonwealth Games in 2010, Soni said she is nonetheless glad that the 'bed and breakfast scheme' has been initiated.
"I am very happy that the bed and breakfast scheme has been initiated. A middle class family can easily earn between Rs.6,000-9,000 per day by renting out two or three rooms without paying the commercial taxes.
"This way we all gain from the initiative. I want more of such partnerships where the common man is involved in the tourism related initiatives," she said.
Soni also said that universities should get involved in the campaign to boost tourism. "I want to popularise the concept of earning while learning. I want the dynamic students to take up the role of tourist guides and tell people of the world about the marvels of our country," she said.
A study conducted by the ministry of tourism found that the supply manpower in hotels and restaurant sector meets only 40 percent of the demand. It also found that an investment of Rs.10 lakhs in the tourism industry will give direct employment to 48 people.
In comparison to this, an equal investment in the manufacturing sector will generate only 12 jobs.
ith hopes that the tourism industry will generate over 80 lakh jobs over the next 10 years, Soni said everything possible was being done to boost the tourism industry and push for more lasting public-private partnerships which, was "the need of the hour".
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