|
 AMITABH
Kant, joint secretary, ministry of tourism, wants government
tourist offices abroad to be shut down in order to utilise
the resources for the betterment of tourism.
Kant made this startling statement at the recently concluded
annual convention of the Indian Association of Tour Operators.
In his no-holds-barred speech, Kant lambasted the tourism
industry for complaining about lack of governmental support
in terms of policies and plans. He added in the same vein,
“But I take pride in saying that Kerala which is doing
so well in tourism, flourished while there was no tourism
policy at all.”
Alluding to the numerous industry associations which have
sprung up with different sets of agenda, Kant said it was
high time the industry spoke in one voice, had a common platform
and worked towards achieving common goals.
“Government
can only act as a facilitator. Integration is the key to success.
At the moment we do not need any policy indulgence. It is
time to start acting. The state tourism department, industry,
airlines, surface transporters, etc. need to come on a common
platform to take up tourism issues rather than staying aloof
from one another. Synergy is the key. We all must synergise
for our own benefit,” he said.
Although he agreed that visa-on-arrival is a must to attract
foreign tourists, Kant also stressed on the need for a radical
shift in thought process.
According to him, new and attractive products must be offered
to build up tourist interest. “We must unleash the power
of each section of the industry. There is enormous untapped
potential to make India a high value destination,” said
Kant.
|
