Tourism set to boom as rupee falls against the dollar
Posted on: 25/Aug/2015 9:59:20 AM
Tourists visiting India will have something to be happy about as the rupee as fallen against the dollar. Travel, entertainment and shopping will be cheaper for them due to the fall. As a result, more tourists are expected to India from the US, UK and Europe. Experts say that this would be a blessing for the local economy.
Say experts in the travel industry, ‘The rising value of the dollar is good news for in bound tourism. "It`s an advantage to tourists visiting India. We expect inbound tourism to go up by around 20%... The rupee`s fall may help tourists who have already booked trips. Though the dollar is one of the few cur rencies that are still holding out in the current economic climate, mid-level tourists from the US tend not to carry too much money. Their expenses would have gone up at home too... This is the best opportunity for India to promote itself among foreign countries... India should promote itself as a tourist destination in Eastern Europe and China. We should also provide a friendly atmosphere for tourists in terms of foreign language signs, guides and food... A large percentage of traffic from abroad comprises mid-level tourists. "The Indian tourism and hospitality sectors are not geared up for this category. Mid-level tourists may not want to stay in star hotels. But we have more star category hotels because land price is very high, especially in Chennai and other major cities. It makes more sense to build a star hotel because money spent on the land is the same even if it is for a regular non-star hotel... Hotels should be able to offer bookings at best rates. If we ask for rates in December they are not ready to oblige. With tourists planning well in advance, it puts Indian destinations at a disadvantage.’
