Key facts
- Shashi Tharoor urged policy changes and infrastructure upgrades to boost India's tourism.
- He contrasted India's tourism numbers with Thailand's, noting Thailand's higher per capita income but lower travel costs.
- Tharoor suggested government focus on infrastructure and regulation, with private sector leading promotion.
- India's 2024 foreign tourist arrivals were 9.95 million, while Thailand welcomed over 35.5 million in the same year.
Shashi Tharoor has called for significant policy reforms, infrastructure development, and increased private sector involvement to enhance India's tourism sector. Speaking to the Indian diaspora in Thailand, Tharoor highlighted that Thailand attracts far more tourists than India, despite having a higher per capita income, attributing this to lower travel costs and more effective promotion strategies.
Tharoor suggested that financial, tax, and policy measures could reduce the cost of travel to India. He also pointed to structural issues within India's hospitality sector, such as floor space regulations, which contribute to higher hotel room prices compared to other countries. He argued that government efforts should concentrate on developing infrastructure, implementing regulatory reforms, and providing industry incentives, while allowing tour operators and private businesses to lead the promotion of India as a travel destination.