The hospitality and tourism industry in India: conclusions and solutions

Abstract

Purpose The paper aims to present answers to the strategic question: what contribution will hospitality and tourism make in securing sustainable economic growth in India? It attempts to integrate the conclusions of the six articles contributed by industry experts to the Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes ( WHATT ) issue on hospitality and tourism in India. Design/methodology/approach The approach is to integrate the findings and recommendations from the six articles and to include the issues and suggestions that were made by practitioners and academics at the theme issue roundtable discussion. Findings While discussing the overall challenges to the hospitality and tourism in India, the practitioners suggested measures which if addressed, could stimulate economic growth not only in this industry but also for India's economy as a whole. The most significant factors affecting hospitality and tourism in India are: infrastructure management; government policy; workforce issues and education in hospitality and tourism; strategies for growth; crisis management; the management of destinations in India and the deployment of online techniques for marketing. Originality/value This paper provides a consolidated view from industry as well as academia and also makes suggestions that would help to develop the hospitality and tourism industry in India.