Mysuru: The tourist guides federation of India (TGFI) organised its 18th annual national convention in Mysuru on Saturday June 13.
Inaugurating the convention Regional director, India tourism, South Soheb Samad said, “Compared to previous year, the tourism inflow to the country has increased by 10.6 percent in the present year. In 2014, 7.70 million foreign tourists visited India and this year we are expecting more in numbers. 9 percent of the population in India is dependent on tourism and the union government has allocated impressive funds for the development of tourism in India.”
In the welcome note, TGFI President Narendra Singh Rathore said, “Today tourist guides are taken as a part time profession and it is due to the impartial commitment of the governments towards the profession. Out of 80 registered guides in Karnataka there are only 22 guides working now. Though there is potential in tourism and guide sector, government is yet to recognise it. In Hyderabad more than 50 members were trained but only 7 guides are working now. We request government to take measures to develop quality guides unit so that it will help to enhance tourism in India.”
“India’s size and massive natural, geographic, cultural and artistic diversity offers enormous opportunities for the travel and tourism industry. The promotion and aggressive marketing measures undertaken by the government is expected to aid influx of tourists. The industry would also benefit from introduction of new forms of tourism and development of niche segments,” he said.
“Medical tourism in India has gained considerable popularity in recent years. India has a major cost advantage in this field compared with other countries. In addition to cost advantages, Indian healthcare industry offers state-of-theatre equipment, technological advancement, qualified and experienced medical personnel and a blend of modern and traditional medicines. Thus, medical tourism has immense potential in India,” he added.
Speaking about the oppurtunities he said, “Opportunities also exist in ecotourism, adventure tourism, and cruise tourism. Eco-tourism is increasing in popularity, evident in the development of eco-friendly hotels and tour packages. With increasing environment awareness and consciousness among tourists and given efforts undertaken by the government and private players, the ecotourism segment is expected to record handsome growth in the coming years.
“India holds immense potential in adventure and cruise tourism. India’s greatest adventure tourism assets are Himalayas and its mighty rivers. The peak period for adventure tourism is the “lean period” of cultural tourism. Development of adventure tourism can make India a round-the-year tourist destination. The cruise industry is one of the most promising industries in India. However, strong efforts need to be made to develop this industry. Other forms of tourism such as agri tourism, pilgrimage tourism, heritage tourism, and MICE tourism also hold enormous potential,” he added.
In the two day convention, the tourist guide fraternity will discuss about the problems and issues that should be put forth infront of the state and central government to get it solved.
President of IATO, Karnataka chapter S Mahalingaiah, Superintendent of Archealogical survey of India Dr Arun Raj, executive vice president Anahita Tarapore, nominated vice president K Monikantan, general secretary Dr Ajay K Singh and many others were present.
