Q

Your Kumarakom Lake Resort recently won the World Travel Award for India's Leading Resort 2006, making you an ambassador for high-end hospitality.  What do you think Western tourists envision when they hear the words "Indian resort" and do you think it is an accurate reflection of high-end accommodation in India?

A

Definitely, India has proved we can deliver world class facilities and services and within just a few years India has been able to establish sufficient global recognition in the category of high-end hospitality. Without doubt the western tourists now understand the class of Indian resorts and are familiar with some of the up market resorts and leading hospitality brands of India.




Q

We hear a lot about India's economic growth, particularly in the software and outsourcing sectors.  Do you think it has affected travel and tourism across the country or just in pockets like Bangalore?

A

India's economic growth has brought the entire country into the limelight internationally, and coupled with the country's rich heritage which has always been of interest to the western world, there is a rapid growth of inbound tourists to India.




Q

Much of what attracts foreigners to India is the unique sense of place.  How do you balance development and tourism with preserving the environment and Indian culture?

A

Developing tourism , preserving the environment and Indian culture is definitely possible and sustainable if planned  properly and  implemented in an organised manner.The government has to take initiatives to have rules and regulations in place and make sure they are implemented very strictly, and it is already happening to some extent, but there is definitely scope to do more. The industry also needs to cultivate a social obligation and awareness in the general public thus enforcing them to do their part as well.




Q

Through your Bloomingdale Investment Co., you have undertaken a number of entrepreneurial projects in India.  What do you think is a "no lose" investment in the India tourism market today?

A

India is very vibrant. Medical & Heritage tourism  are two areas that India has not yet utilised to its advantage and I see great potential in it for India.Tapping into these segments I would say will be a "No Lose" Investment in the Indian tourism market today. 




Q

If you could change one thing to improve tourism in India what would it be and why?

A
The infrastructure like better roads, better connectivity through air, and more world class hotels would change the face of Indian tourism, as these are the main factors that thwart the inflow of tourists into the innumerable exotic locations this country has to offer.

Paul John, Bloomingdale Investment


Paul P. John was born in Kerala, grew up in Bangalore and now lives in Florida.  A lawyer by profession and an entrepreneur by choice, John's venture capital firm, Bloomingdale Investment Co., has interests and investments in real estate, plantations, distilleries, silks and trading in several parts of the world, especially India.  He heads one of South India's leading distilleries and owns one of the top five whisky brands in the country. In addition, he is the owner and chairman of Kumarakom Lake Resort, which recently won the World Travel Award as India's Leading Resort 2006.