As India goes into the mode of witnessing the great dance of democracy, the nation looks at the short-term and long-term vision for the country. The Hotel Association of India (HAI) considers it an opportune time to outline the national priorities and, therefore, a time to reiterate the importance of tourism and hospitality in the vision for the country.
KB Kachru, the newly elected President of HAI, puts the perspective clearly: “The time has come for India,” he says, “to achieve its true development potential and to become the third largest country in the world by GDP. It is now recognized globally that tourism and hospitality can play a pivotal role in driving such growth. The Vision 2047 report by HAI indicates that the contribution of the hospitality sector could reach US $1 trillion by 2047.”
Kachru further stated that India’s population dividend can go awry if employment opportunities are not created. Tourism and hospitality as the largest employers, fill that role. It has been indicated that, if properly nurtured, this sector could generate 50 million jobs. “We would be happy if all the stakeholders recognize the importance of tourism and hospitality in generating employment and growth and made it a part of their commitment,” Kachru said.
Elaborating further, HAI Secretary General Bezbaruah said, “It would be pertinent and in national interest if two important issues—infrastructure status at the centre and industry status in the states—find place in the government’s agenda.” The vision of the government to reach a US $3 trillion tourism economy and 100 million visitors requires the creation of accommodation and destination development.
“While such incentives are given to other industries, if extended to this sector, they would have a multiplier effect on investment, thereby creating corresponding employment opportunities that will be spread over all corners of the country, pushing inclusive growth. No development strategy of the country can ignore the pivotal role of the hospitality sector, or they run the risk of compromising its vision for 2047,” Bezbaruah said.
