As per our tradition, the Express TravelWorld August issue celebrates the country’s Independence Day and salutes the spirit of national pride by placing in prominence the hidden jewels of our freedom struggle. It’s no news that our country has deep rooted history, however the historical sites and monuments of significance have received feeble recognition. Internationally, countries have wonderfully maintained their historical sites and monuments.
It is rather unfortunate that somewhere in our government’s mindset, tourism has always been a secondary sector and maintaining of tourism sites has always been on the backburner. It would be interesting to create freedom trail circuits that can be promoted and marketed, for both, the domestic and the international markets. Awareness and accessibility to these significant sites will generate interest and in turn will lead to a steady inflow of tourists to these sites. From Martyr’s Memorial in Meerut and Hazarduari Palace Museum in Murshidabad to Kolaba Fort in Raigad, there are a host of sites that have historical and heritage value. From student tourism and historical tourism to architecture tourism, niche sectors can be well explored to increase tourism movement.
Banking on local and domestic tourism may not be a bad idea, keeping in view the changing world scenario and increasing uncertainties in established and traditional tourism markets in the global network.
According to outbound tour operators and agents, trips to Western Europe have witnessed a beating in terms of tourism traffic. From cancellations, to rerouting of flights, travellers are being cautious. Brexit too will have its own share of impact, both, on the inbound and outbound tourism business. The industry is surely heading for new changes and only those who are ahead of the curve will survive the dynamic and volatile change in tide.
Reema Lokesh
Editor