Gajendra: India Faces Competition From Europe, China In Tourism

Union tourism minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat underlined on Thursday that the country faces a competition from Europe and other parts of the world including neighbouring country, China, in attracting global travellers. He also warned that the country would lag behind if it can not match others in the race.

“There is as much competition around our country as we have potential in this sector here. The way Japan has reopened its tourism sector with precision, service quality and destination management, it has become a competition for us,” Mr Shekhawat told ICC Hospitality & Tourism Summit in the city.

He said, “We also have competition with Europe because of its heritage and the matured tourism infrastructure it stands on. China is another competitor for us. It has just opened. It poses as a hidden gem for being just-opened, thus creating a curiosity and an additional opportunity.”

Mr Shekhawat added, “UAE, which is based on its aviation power, is working to create new experiences based on financial powers after getting aware of facing a challenge from hydro carbon fuels. We have challenges in the competitive world.”

He observed, “Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Brazil, which are emerging tourism destination countries like us, have turned out to be competitors for us. We may see ourselves above these emerging economies now. But if we do not work on them unitedly then we will definitely lag behind them somewhere in the race in coming times.”

The union minister further pointed out, “So we have to increase our speed and progress in our work. We have to elevate and market our unique experiences like what we can offer them differently and better so that they feel bound to tell our story out of their satisfaction after returning.” He also pitched for Kolkata to be a MICE destination in the country.