Tourism in India: Dynamics of Innovation and Development

Abstract

Tourism in India is one of the burgeoning sectors of the economy. Incredible India campaign, ICT specialised products in medical tourism etc have contributed to its modern growth. Besides being a big foreign exchange earner it has promises and hopes in other macro variables such as investment and employment. However, the sector ails from longstanding problems of inadequate infrastructure as well emerging problems in handling alternative tourism and ensuring sustainable tourism.In contrast to the radical innovations vital to growth in manufacturing sectors, innovations in services and tourism were secondary and capital-scarce, and for this reason they were excluded from the scope of government interest and action. It is interesting to note that the discourse changed with the emergence of new information and communication technologies (NICT), which have been especially influential in the realm of tourism. The dissemination of new modes of production and the resulting organisational shock waves, along with the marketing adjustments this has entailed, have been the subject of much research. Yet the issues involved in innovation in tourism are not confined to the information.We call for big and firm steps to improve the internal dynamics of tourism sector with thrust on ‘innovation’: pushing firms to adopt a proactive attitude towards innovation, notably to an ambitious shift from simple technology watch to economic intelligence. This paper not only traces the progress and position of India’s tourism sector but also analyses the dilemmas in terms of environment, empowerment, affordability, accessibility, ethics and equity. Keeping in view the rich heritage as well as the prospects of high potential for hot-spot tourism, the paper explores what new polices and products can do for enhancing the capacity to face constraints and challenges. It argues that the providers need to go beyond “attractions” and look at supplements and complements too. It also analyses the call for teachers, researchers and policy-makers to address and assess contemporary trends – climate change for example – and critical turns. The emphasis is on “boosting tourism and balancing hospitality” with productive roles played by public and private sector as synergistic stakeholders.