India keen on speeding up infrastructure development
By Satish Gupta l eTN Asia
Even as India has sustained its double-digit growth in foreign tourists arrivals, the authorities aren't fully pleased with the progress. Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh is likely to set up a group of ministers (GoM) to tackle infrastructure issues in order to realize the full potential.
India has witnessed 13.5 percent increment in foreign tourists arrivals in the first eight months of the year. According to the Ministry of Tourism, 2.78 million foreign tourists have visited India since January this year as compared to 2.45 million during the same period last year.
Indian Tourism and Culture Minister Ambika Soni recently said, "India's positioning and branding as the destination of choice for the discerning traveler is evident. We are focusing on infrastructure to create a unique experience for tourists visiting India. We are confident that in the coming years, India will emerge as the number 1 tourism destination in the world."
As per the information available, the GoM, still to be announced, will include ministers from civil aviation, finance and home affairs besides planning commission members. The national daily Times of India reported that the high-powered committee will clear decisions related to policy matters. In her presentation to the PM Office, tourism minister Ambika Soni brought out the fact that the real challenge was to speed up infrastructure development.
The main hurdles have been identified as poor connectivity, lack of information, visa restrictions and accommodation.
September 26, 2006
Posted in: India