Coming soon: A safe and clean India

takes pride in the fact that readers across the globe are participating in our polls. To make it more heartening, they are coming up with constructive suggestions. So, we continue our efforts by creating the industry’s IndiaThink series to push tourism to

recently conducted a poll asking the industry, “In addition to ETA / VOA, which other steps will push tourism into India?” Foreseeing a similarity in replies, the following options were given, including, tourist safety, Clean India, formation of a National Tourism Board (NTB) and the privatisation of Brand India marketing abroad. Nearly 60 per cent of the replies focused on tourist safety and a clean India. The good news is that the recent government initiatives such as tourist police and the Clean India campaign are working towards making India a safe and clean destination for tourists.

The Indian embassies, consulates are unable to give visas to tourists due to shortage of equipment and manpower. People go on leave during September to March, which is peak tourist season. They are least concerned about the benefits of increasing tourists. Change the mindset of government servants especially those working abroad.

Arun Raga Tours, Kazakhstan We agree with all suggestions but please include removal of touts and brokers from around hotels, monuments, airports and other locations where tourists go. This is important.

Jayant Pal Singh Senior Vice President CIE Group Team DDP, It's a nice question you have asked. As per our thoughts, formation of national tourism board is a must. After that, tourist safety and clean India are imperative. If we do this, then we will have lot of tourists.

Kumar Maisheri People Holidays In my opinion, the steps that would help in growing tourism in India are Tourist Safety and Clean India especially area in and around tourist spots. Good infrastructure like roads and comfortable trains, strict monitoring of quality standard of food in trains and around tourist spots, recognizing and placing approved travel agents/guides at tourist destinations for providing quality service will also help us to attain our goals. India has such a rich and beautiful tourist places and can generate much more than any other industry. But we have to show quality and standard to boost the image and attract more and more tourists.

Sudheer Katoch Deputy General Manager, The Energy and Resources Institute