Priyanka Saxena Ray
Putting Brand India on Global Tourism Map
India has a special place in the global tourism map because of its varied culture and landscape, exotic setting and warm hospitality. However, we often lacked interest among travellers due to chaotic and mismanaged infrastructure, unreliable and unauthentic travel information, and disruptive services to name a few. We have to face this fact honestly and find solutions for these challenges in order to put Brand India strongly in the global tourism market. There is no doubt that in last decade India has changed a lot with improved infrastructure, better connectivity of trains and flights, cleanliness of tourist sites, new tourism products, world-class shopping centres, multi-cuisine restaurants and tourist-friendly information centres. We need to tell this effectively to the world through print and online media as well social media. There should be a regular online campaign to engage travellers worldwide to generate interest for India amongst them.
The Surge in Domestic Tourism is here to stay
We have to take clue from the massive growth of Domestic Tourism where social media played an important role in popularising new or better say lessor known places. Accessibility and better connectivity, increased household income and interest to see places in real rather than virtual played significant role in this growth. This trend will not stop and we will see steady increase in domestic tourism in near future. Every state tourism department is now focusing on domestic travellers. Their budget has increased so that they can lure this growing set of travellers. State governments proactive approach for promoting tourism sites will bring desired results which will ultimately benefit local tourism or non-tourism stakeholders.
Destination Weddings
Destination weddings are trending. Today, people are exploring all locations depending on their budget and interests, especially the lesser-known and off-beat locations are in much demand. All this is ultimately giving push to hospitality sector to come up with desired infrastructure be it hotels, banquet halls, creating local experiences etc. India has a huge potential and we have no limitation of new places to be explored and this will be the biggest winner for Domestic tourism in future.
GITB Jaipur
GITB is a good event for showcasing India to existing buyers as well new prospects. I have heard they will have approximately 300 foreign buyers which is a good number after 3 years break. I am sure this will create a buzz for India and these buyers will have first-hand experience of refreshed India post-pandemic.
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