The right formula

It is interesting to take note of how the tone and temperament at hospitality and tourism investment conferences have undergone a transformation especially in the past year. From the erstwhile voices of doom and gloom to a growth and bloom vision, there seems to be renewed enthusiasm amongst investors, market analysts and thought leaders in general. The recently held HICSA and HOSI events in New Delhi clearly stated a buoyant vision for the industry. Though industry leaders like Priya Paul appropriately shared a word of caution and highlighted the still unresolved longstanding demands like infrastructure status and licencing policy, Amitabh Kant in his keynote address spoke about the future that is full of opportunities.

No doubt the world today is looking at India as a serious business partner, but it is crucial to look within and clear longstanding issues addressed by a few stakeholders. The HICSA and HOSI roundup in this issue focus on pertinent issues of the industry from both the investor and operations point of view. From outsourcing and training to building integrated theme parks like Sentosa in Singapore, the conference touched upon topics that were wide ranging. Witnessing the action live at Sentosa, while penning this edit, such a concept surely works wonders for tourism in the region. A workable PPP model to build an integrated resort and theme park on similar lines can benefit the Indian tourism industry. China, Indonesia and few regions in the Asia Pacific have got this formula working well. Hainan Bay region in China, Bintan Lagoi Resort development in Indonesia are future growth regions in the resort space. However, any kind of development without a sustainable and responsible tourism vision can only backfire in the long run.

Reema Lokesh
Editor