Unleashing India's Tourism Potential: A Roadmap to Employment and Economic Growth

Lemon Tree Hotels Chairman Patanjali Govind Keswani highlights the potential of India's tourism sector to address 50% of employment challenges with proper government support. Speaking at the National Conclave on India 2047 by IIM Calcutta, he emphasized the sector's potential economic impact, drawing parallels to China's growth trajectory.

Lemon Tree Hotels Chairman and Managing Director Patanjali Govind Keswani believes India's tourism sector could resolve 50% of the country's employment issues with adequate government support. Speaking at the first National Conclave on India 2047, organised by IIM Calcutta, Keswani emphasized that India's tourism industry is nearing a significant turning point.

Keswani noted that in many countries, tourism contributes 15-20% to GDP and accounts for 25% of employment. He lamented that in India, tourism only contributes 6.5% to GDP and employment. He argued that with appropriate government leverage, the sector's job-creating potential could address half of India's employment challenges.

Discussing India's economic climate, Keswani likened India to China during its rapid growth phase, highlighting a 6-7% annual growth in household incomes. This growth sets the stage for major changes in consumption patterns. He predicted a surge in households able to afford discretionary goods, with expected expansion in infrastructure offering new opportunities for tourism.

(With inputs from agencies.)