Mallikarjun Kharge. File
| Photo Credit: The Hindu

Alleging that the government’s requisite support to India’s tourism and hospitality sector is lacking, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday (January 25, 2025) called for a collective effort to reform the sector, including filling the infrastructure gaps and aggressively promoting inbound tourism.

On National Tourism Day, Mr. Kharge said the country boasts of a rich diversity of natural beauty, ancient monuments, multitude of culinary traditions and multi-faceted cultures, making it an ideal destination for global travellers.

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“However, the true potential of India’s tourism industry is far from being fully realised and foreign tourist arrivals in the country have remained well below the pre-COVID-19 levels,” he said, adding that this is “extremely worrying.”

“Despite the Centre’s stated commitment to revitalising this crucial economic segment, the requisite support and impetus have been lacking, a situation that demands immediate attention,” Mr. Kharge said.

“Therefore on #NationalTourismDay, we urge for a collective effort to reform the sector, including filling the infrastructure gaps and aggressively promoting inbound tourism,” he said.