T ravel and tourism industry is an important and the largest service sector in India. In 2012, the contribution industry to the nation’s GDP stood at 6.6%. of the tourism
A geographically vast country with rich historical background and cultural heritage, India is a tourist’s delight. As each of the 29 states have different climatic patterns and holds distinct cultural significance, hence there is some spat of tourist attraction in each state. The state of Rajasthan is popular for its royal forts and palaces and handicrafts. Similarly, the state of Jammu and Kashmir provides the ultimate scenic beauty to nature lovers. The north-east region of the country boasts off the Buddhist influence, places like Goa and Daman and Diu, have an apparent Portugese influence.
However, despite India being home to a plethora of monuments/forts, places of religious significance, wildlife sanctuaries, etc., is still not able to realise all the fruits of this industry. Tourism, as an economic sector in India, is operating at a level, much below its potential.
There are many reasons attributable to this sorry state of affairs. The first and foremost is the glaring crime rate in the country. The rime rate in the country has been rising steadily for the last few years. Moreover, the number of crimes against tourists, especially foreign tourists is immensely large.
Rapes, thefts, etc, are no uncommon crimes against tourists in the country. Apart from that, the poor hygiene and sanitation conditions in the country repel them from coming to it. Similarly. the callous attitude of the citizens and lack of civic sense among them play a major role in keeping the tourists away. What is required here is the education of the masses and the shedding of lackadaisical approach of the authorities, to create an ambience that favours and encourages tourism.
Already, the government has taken its first step towards it by launching the ‘Swachh Bharat’ campaign. Next, the masses should be made aware to not to scribble on monuments etc, and be friendly and nice towards tourists. As ever cultural maxim says “Atithi Devo Bhava”. The government should tighten the security measures and establish stricter punishments against all crimes. This way, the country will win the confidence of the tourists across the world and the tourism sector shall grow by leaps and bounds.
