India’s Tourism Paradox: Big Promises, Poor Delivery

India has everything going for it — history, culture, landscapes and medical expertise. Yet, global tourists are staying away, while Indians increasingly choose Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore for holidays and even medical care.

In this hard-hitting analysis, Sucheta Dalal examines India’s tourism paradox: grand announcements in Budget 2026 versus the grim reality on the ground. From failed flagship schemes like Swadesh Darshan and PRASAD, to safety concerns, poor hygiene, broken infrastructure, local mafias and ecological disasters, the gap between promise and performance keeps widening.

Despite decades of slogans, schemes and spending, inbound tourism remains stagnant, medical tourism underperforms, and iconic destinations like Goa and Varanasi tell a story of mismanagement and neglect.

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