Competition breeds quality

By Vithal Kamat
CMD, Kamat Hotels India

The year 2007 has been a satisfying one for the tourism industry. Unlike the past few years, when either a natural calamity or a major terrorist attack had affected the industry, this year, by the grace of God, no major issue has affected the tourism industry of India, or for that matter the world. We must keep in mind that if there is peace in the world, only then will more foreigners visit and the tourism sector will grow.

I attended the ITB Berlin in Germany this year, where India was the partner country. I must congratulate the ministry of foreign affairs and tourism for excelling as a partner and also for the initiatives it took for the development of the industry. The event has helped in improving business for the travel agents and tour operators. Further, we must give credit to the regional media also. Each and every magazine in their own regional languages covered the event quite well.

Year 2007 also witnessed the Prime Minister (Dr Manmohan Singh), the dynamic tourism minister (Ambika Soni), and the equally dynamic aviation minister (Praful Patel) taking a favourable step for the tourism industry by strengthening the infrastructure required for the industry. The development of airports in the smaller cities of the country is one such initiative taken by them. Such kind of initiatives will help in providing a competitive edge to the Indian tourism industry, thereby encouraging competition with other developed countries.

This year also witnessed more private hospitality and tourism training institutes opening up. It is a welcome sign. The government must join hands with the private players, as this will help in countering the HR challenges which the industry is currently facing.

India is fortunate to have a silent brand ambassador, who has exhibited the hospitality of the country time and again. Today too, Rajasthani ladies dancing with him create awareness about our country and help attract people towards incredible India. This former president of the USA has really provided a platform to our country to exhibit its unique beauty and hospitality to people worldwide. We must give credit to all the state governments of the country as well for consistently showcasing their product, highlighting their virgin destination and exhibiting their regional culture in various trade shows such as World Travel Market (WTM), ITB, Trade fair, etc. Such initiatives taken by them have created competition among the states for the betterment of the tourism industry.

Competition breeds quality. Thus, quality products are emerging from each state. Most chief ministers from different states have invited the industry partners to invest in their respective states and frame a tourism-friendly structure, thereby bringing more investment into the states. It is heartening to see that all the Indian states have created awareness about environment and heritage. Today, India is being showcased as a country on the move; inviting visitors to take part in the reality of life that exists here.