LET PEOPLE DEVELOP TOURISM AND MAKE MONEY

While comparing the earnings from Tourism by different countries India stands much below. Our country has a vast collection in store to show the world. Our highest earning from tourism stands less than 6% of our GDP. If properly handled this can be multiplied in a short span of time. The best way to enhance the revenue from this sector is to bring in qualified youth into it. Government need not make any huge investment in this. Government must make it easy for them to secure loan from banks and other financial institutions. A separate wing in the bank may be created to follow up the utilisation of the fund properly. (,There can be safer methods to apply for bank loans with zero risk for the money lent.) Government can also organise frequent seminars, exhibitions etc on tourism. Many new schemes can be introduced to attract more tourists from different parts of the world. When the government is taking the lead role, they may ensure the active participation of the youth.

While we put efforts to develop tourism we must also concentrate on the following matters that causes detraction in the inflow of tourists. We must maintain a self discipline. Some of our states observe Bundhs and other forms of protests, that too quite frequently. These things always affect vehicular traffic and closing of shops. These actions cause great hindrance  for the tourists. They are forced to be held up at airport, railway station, bus station etc for long hours. Untimely closing of shops also create many problems for them. In order to avoid these, the central government may formulate necessary laws to prevent blocking of road traffic and closing of shops before time under any circumstances. Another aspect to be considered is harrasment of women. Long jail term may be prescribed for such offenders. Antisocial elements should not be allowed to enter into hotels and restaurants. In the recent times a good number of standard restaurants were reported to have closed due to disturbance by politically motivated gundas. 

The new companies formed by the youth may try to bring in and develop new tourist destinations at beautiful places near to lakes, backwaters, hill tops, valleys, forests, agriculture region, areas for medical tourism preferably Ayurvedic tourism. Renowned temples where various art forms can be promoted may also be considered. These destinations can be largely promoted by good resorts,  shopping area, good restaurants etc. The promoters and the business group should have contact with various artists from all over the state. Kerala is also popular for temple festivals. Keep in touch with all temple authorities so that willing tourists can be brought there and seated comfortably. This may also make some earning for the temples. They can also be helped to see the art and cultural programs related with the temple festivals.

Enhancing the earnings from tourism can enhance our GDP. In 2024, earning from travel and tourism by USA contributed $2.36 trillions to the GDP.  We too can do wonderful earnings from tourism. We have adequate resources for developing the tourism sector. If properly managed, unemployment can be brought down considerably. The central government together with all state governments may work out excellent Modus Operandi towards this direction and keenly watch for an admiring result. In the  year 2018 our earning was $28,586 million. The gap is quite wide.while comparing with USA. Let us try to overcome this with a true and meaningful smile of "Adhithi Devo Bhava", than a political shout through loud speaker to exploit the people. Our Doordarshan may also seriously consider about telecasting their programs in different countries where scope for tourists to visit India is much. They can describe in details about the the historical and beautiful tourist destinations of our country and also can give wide publicity about the large varieties tasty and unique food available in different states of India. Publicity can also be given about temple festivals of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and other parts of the country where different art forms like Kathakali, Bharatanatyam etc are performed. Our astrology, numerology, palmistry, mashinottam, witchcraft etc are capable of attracting tourists in large numbers. Large Ayurvedic complex can be established in Idukki and Wayanad region of Kerala without any investment by the government. This will provide employment in big way and raise our per capita income too. If the governments stop unwanted political activities and do these types of results oriented efforts there will be quick and positive results.

K V George