To counter US President Donald Trump’s increasing efforts to corral and penalise India economically while soft-pedalling America’s real threat, China, some are suggesting India must increase foreign tourist arrivals. That is a brilliant idea: not only does it earn forex and create jobs, but a lot of people from around the world planning to holiday in the US are looking for alternatives, as are lakhs of Indians who go there every year. So why not divert US tourism traffic?

After all, barring Disneyland and Yellowstone National Park’s “Old Faithful", there are hardly any lures the US can offer for which India does not have an alternative, although the size and scale may not be identical. After all, the US is three times the size of India area-wise, although its population is one-fourth that of India’s. Our destinations are second to none, but India has to get its act together to maximise their appeal as viable choices for foreign holidayers.

The US has Niagara Falls, India has Chitrakoot Falls. The US has the Empire State Building, India has the Taj Mahal. The US has the Rockies, India has the Himalayas. The US has the Statue of Liberty, India has the Statue of Unity. The US has the Grand Canyon, India has Gandikota Canyon. The US has Hollywood, India has Bollywood, Mollywood, Tollywood, etc. Not to mention beaches, adventure sports, sand dunes, forested vistas, architecture, and even casinos and shopping.

But what India boasts by way of tourism assets is, sadly, offset by wide gaps in supporting infrastructure. To overcome that lacuna as fast as possible........

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