‘Our Main Objective Is To Pressurise The Govt To Clear Pending Issues’

Lalit Suri, chairman and MD, Bharat Hotels, talks to Anindita Chattopadhyay about India’s progress in tourism and the role bodies like WTTC can play in it

What do you think has been WTTC’s achievement in tourism promotion so far?

WTTC adopted India in 2000 and launched its India Initiative for raising awareness about the crucial role travel and tourism plays in the Indian economy. Its achievement lies in the fact that being a global body it has been able to create an impact on the government and policy makers and made them realise the importance of tourism as a generator of income and employment. Further, their expertise in Satellite Accounting and research analysis enabled us to get statistics on travel trends and tourism related activities, which helped the industry and came handy in convincing people. For instance, WTTC brought out an extensive research report on progress in tourism and tourism potential of Kerala.

What will be the role of the India Initiative which is replacing WTTC in promoting tourism in future?

The role will remain the same. Actually, WTTC now wants the India chapter to play a more independent role, while it will provide the required support. We will use the logo of the WTTC Global - India chapter and the WTTC president will visit the country at least twice a year.

Our main objective will be to create awareness about the importance of tourism as an industry and put pressure on the government till issues like ATF, visa regulation etc are solved. We will work through WTTC global body for image building and improving the perception of India. States will be adopted and assistance will be offered to them in promoting tourism and getting investments.