‘Need a clear policy & structural changes for effective tourism action’

Over the last 28 years, the Hotel Association of India (HAI) has been the voice of the Indian hospitality industry, with membership extending from major hotel groups, boutique hotels, heritage hotels, large, medium-sized and smaller hotels. On the one hand, HAI’s Executive Committee is a potent combination of the commitment of hotel owners and on the other, of hardcore professionalism of hotel managers. From industry veterans to budding hoteliers, the committee is charged with experience and fresh ideas in its determination to shape a bright future for the Indian hotel industry.

In an exclusive interview, HAI Secretary General MP Bezbaruah talks about the requirements and challenges encountered within the tourism sector, how the hotel industry can actively contribute to generating more employment opportunities and steps the Government should take for long-term results.

From HAI perspective, what still remains as an unfinished agenda for the hospitality and tourism industry? What should be the Government’s agenda on tourism, especially in terms of policies and initiatives that could benefit the hospitality industry?
In a fast-changing world no agenda can be finite – it has to be evolving. HAI’s current priority is to create an enabling atmosphere where investments for accommodation is facilitated, liquidity needs problems are addressed pragmatically, incentives provided for creating world class destinations. In brief, it is to make Government accept the visible and well recognised role to tourism and hospitality in creating jobs and spurring inclusive growth and provide that place for tourism and hospitality in national economic planning. The first step towards that end is to provide hospitality the status of infrastructure and the benefits of an “industry”. Government’s vision of a $3 trillion tourism economy will be hanging in the air unless the industry is enabled to create the infrastructure needed. And there is practically no cost to the Government.

What specific experience or expertise do you believe will empower the Union Tourism Minister to comprehensively address the requirements and challenges encountered within the tourism sector?
MoT is not lacking in experience or expertise. The problem is that tourism is a multidimensional activity involving many stakeholders and many of the activities lie outside the domain of MoT. For effective tourism action, we need a clear policy and structural changes. The draft Tourism policy addressed this issue, and I would strongly recommend adoption of the same. In brief, there should be Convergence of the different Ministries, a very strong, systemic platform for PPP for understanding the problems and finding solutions in collaboration. The recommendation for a National Tourism Authority chaired by the PM and National Tourism Board (as well a State Tourism Board) for professional management of the sector should be accepted and implemented.

How can the hotel industry actively contribute to generating more employment opportunities in the country, particularly in the context of the current economic landscape and job market trends?
The importance of the sector will depend on creation of jobs—both direct and facilitating indirect creation by expanding activities. India’s population dividend can be effective only if that dividend is utilised. There is reported dip in attraction for hospitality jobs. The industry must look at the relevant HR issues and address them to make jobs in the sector attractive and competitive. Industry and government must jointly look at the skilling. There is often a mismatch between skills imparted and requirements of the industry. Complete revamp of the hospitality education to make them industry orientated is necessary. With fast changes in technology, digitalisation and use of robots, education should also be adjusted to those needs.

How crucial is boosting infrastructure and connectivity for the growth of the hospitality industry in India? 
These two are going to be the most crucial influences for the future of Indian tourism. On top of infrastructure is accommodation. Booming domestic tourism of a potential of 15 bn and FTA of 100m by 2047 can be sustainable only if required accommodation is created in new destinations. Connectivity to the new destinations will be the first requirement. Gati Shakti scheme of the government must be aligned to development of new destinations. Udaan similarly will be crucial to expand the reach of Indian tourism. Other requirements of water, electricity, hygiene and sewerage – to name just a few – must be coordinated and integrated if the tourism vision is to be realised. Wayside facilities, road signages are small but significant steps often missed.

What measures or policies would you suggest the Government implement to attract more inbound tourists to the country?
The first requirement is information. Fortunately, with India’s growing economic strength the possibility of the strong MICE market to be attracted should be explored. PM has given a call to the large Indian diaspora to each send five foreign friends to India. Incredible India had created a great awareness. A new campaign will be helpful. Second is facilitation – making arrival easy. The Visa policy should be modernised and be attractive in comparison with competing destinations in SE Asia. Third, making travel to and within India as well as accommodation easy, affordable. Here again, India must look at the attractiveness of competing destinations in Soth and SE Asia.

Have there been any tangible outcomes in terms of attracting more international guests with respect to India’s G20 presidency? What further steps should the industry or the government take for long term results?
The G20 follow-up can be built on the old motto of Indian tourism – “welcome a tourist and send back a friend”. Not only the G20 has 85 per cent of the global GDP and 75 per cent of global trade, it contributes to 60 per cent of foreign tourists arriving in India. All the policy makers and decision agents visiting India for the many meetings throughout the year should be the best long-term ambassadors for Indian tourism.  The Government should concentrate on intensive promotion in these countries with the help of those ambassadors. A good PPP campaign and package can be developed.