PATA suggests seven-point action plan for India's tourism growth

New Delhi, Feb 22 (UNI) The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) today recommended a seven-point action plan to advance India's tourism development and exploit the sector's full potential on the basis of the findings of a report finalised by it.

The "Total Tourism India Report," released here by Tourism Minister Ambika Soni, highlights both the incredible opportunities India offers to regional travel industry operators as well as the challenges the country faces in overcoming entrenched problems.

The 280-page report reviews all aspects of India's inbound, outbound and domestic tourism flows, tracking emerging opportunities and infrastructural challenges.

"A strong, consumption-driven economy, an increased government focus on tourism promotion, a powerful branding campaign, a rapidly growing and increasingly affluent middle class, and the ongoing liberalisation of air transport have all contributed to India's emergence as a tourism power house," the report says.

It, however, points out that significant infrastructure limitations such as clogged and creaking airports, ageing air traffic control systems and a chronic hotel shortage, combined with slow and cumbersome bureaucracy, is threatening to slow down India's ascent.

PATA President and CEO Peter de Jong told mediapersons that the plan recommended expanding airport capacity and accommodation inventory, reducing taxation and bureaucratic hurdles boosting human resources and streamlining visa processing.

"India needs to accelerate its efforts to improve and expand infrastructure, particularly airports and roads, broaden its product range, especially in accommodation, and increase its competitiveness," Mr Jong said.

UNI