Q

Your report, Indian Tourism Industry Forecast (2007-2011) predicts an influx of 10 million international visitors by 2010, compared to 5.4 million in 2007.  What accounts for such a large jump in only three years and what factors may decrease the prediction for 2010?

A
 The growing status of India as a preferred business destination, 2010 Commonwealth Games, and efforts by Tourism Ministry of India (like the "Incredible India" campaign) to entice international tourists will take the number of tourist arrivals to 10 Million international tourists by 2010. Infrastructural constraints and any adverse development on the geo-political front may lead to decline in tourism inflow.



Q
 What trends do you see in medical tourism in India and how important will this sector of tourism be in the next five years?
A
 With high treatment cost and long waiting time in Western countries, inflow of medical tourists towards other destination with low treatment cost and lesser (nil) waiting time is bound to happen.  India will emerge as strong contender among countries offering low-cost treatment. The booming medical tourism will contribute towards the growth of Indian tourism industry and will result in higher revenue growth along with additional 1 million tourists by the beginning of next century.



Q

How does medical tourism in India compare to medical tourism in other countries?

A
 By offering low-cost medical services without compromising on the quality, India is emerging as most-favored destination for medical tourism among emerging destinations for medical tourism. Some of the factors that provide an edge to the medical tourism industry in India with respect to other destination are: world class infrastructure facilities, connectivity to most global destinations, government support, and a most-favored destination for Ayurvedic medical therapies worldwide.  The following illustrates strengths of the various major medical tourism markets.


Country
Key Competencies
   India
  • High quality talent pool
  • Proven track record
  • Favorable governmental policies for healthcare
  • Cost savings
  • Conventional medicinal facilities like Ayurveda
  • High quality infrastructure
  Philippines
  • Cost benefits
  • The US accent talent pool
  • The cultural affinity with US
  China
  • Bigger talent pool at a lower cost
  • High-end medical facilities
  • Conventional Chinese medicine
  Thailand
  • Service oriented culture
  • High quality facilities at low prices
  
Q

What has the government done to boost tourism in India?

A

Both central and state governments are taking steps to promote medical tourism in India. The "Incredible India" campaign launched by Ministry of Tourism certainly clicked with foreign tourists resulting in higher growth in tourist arrivals. Various state governments are also promoting tourism through traditional fairs and in the international arena. For instance Kerala is promoting itself as auruvedic treatment hub through its "God's Own Country" campaign.  




Published: June 2008

Shushmul Maheshwari india travel research


Shushmul Maheshwari has spent more than fifteen years working in the senior management teams of both Indian and multinational companies.  Today he is Chief Executive of RNCOS E-Services Pvt. Ltd, a pioneering market research and information analysis company based in Delhi.  Mr. Maheshwari has gained expertise in research and analysis field and has actively participated in various national and international conferences and discussions organized by business and trade-related associations. His research papers and articles have been published in various national and international trade and business magazines.