The Hindu Business Line : `Accord top priority to travel, tourism industry'

MR P.R.S. Oberoi, Chairman of EIH Ltd, a member of The Oberoi Group, while attributing the renewed international interest in India largely to the tourism department's successful "Incredible India" campaign, has cautioned that "if we want to encourage tourism, we must change our policies before it is too late, because other countries have and will usurp our fair share of the market."

Quoting the recent World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) report, the EIH chief has called for "liberalised trade, air transport and investment in the travel and tourism industry".

Analysing the key consumer needs of the future from the international tourist's point of view, for a "seamless travel experience", in the company's 2003-04 annual report, Mr Oberoi has pointed out that the delusion that everyone wants to travel to India because it is a fantastic tourist destination was erroneous.

"People will only travel to a destination if we make it simple and easy. Unfortunately, what we do is contrary to what the travellers demand." Citing the road map suggested by the WTTC in its recent report titled `Blueprint for New Tourism', which has called for long-term commitments from both the Government and industry for ensuring the prosperity of travel and tourism, Mr Oberoi has urged the Government to recognise travel and tourism as a top priority industry, given its huge potential to generate enormous employment.

Stressing on the urgent need to create a competitive business environment, he said all segments of the travel and tourism industry must share in the pursuit of long-term growth and prosperity.

While conceding that some positive steps have been taken in the last few months, he felt there was need to be much more liberal in allowing international airlines access to Indian airports.

"The industry has been pleading for visas on arrival for tourists, but unfortunately, there has been no change in policy."