Tourism high on BJP's agenda

Bhartiya Janta Party has spread cheer among the travel fraternity by giving considerable mention to tourism in building Brand India. The industry while viewing it as a positive sign is also keeping its fingers crossed to see how many of the poll promises would translate into action if the political party comes to power.

BJP in its manifesto says, "We will revive Brand India with the help of our strengths of 5 T's: Tradition,Talent, Tourism, Trade and Technology."

"We hope that the announcements in the manifesto are meant to be implemented and executed," a senior executive of a travel company who did not wish to be named said. BJP in its policy document has said that tourism plays a key role in socio-economic progress through creation of jobs, enterprise, infrastructure development, and foreign exchange earnings. The party plans to initiate a project to create 50 tourist circuits that are affordable. These circuits would promote tourism in Hilmalayas, deserts, coastal regions, heritage and archaeological sites etc.

A senior government official said that it was very visionary of the BJP to foresee the potential of tourism industry in adding to country's growth. India currently gets less than seven million foreign tourists which is just the half of what Singapore does with over 14 million inbound tourists annually.

"Tourism generates employment from grassroots to the upward level. If India can be developed as a business hub, travel will get a boost alongside," said Manmeet Ahluwalia, marketing head, Expedia.com. BJP hasstated that it would modernize existing and operational Airports, and build new ones especially connecting smaller towns and create infrastructure and employment around each tourist circuit.

"If the quality of roads and highways in Gujarat can be replicated nationally then it tourism would gain so much,"said the senior travel company executive. Besides infrastructure BJP has also laid out its plan to promote specialized courses in tourism to build the manpower capabilities and also address the safety and security issue which has played a major dampener for India's image as a tourist destination.