How Can Strengthening the Tourism Sector Help India Tackle Trump's Tariffs?
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Synopsis
Former G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant highlights the crucial role of India's tourism sector in boosting exports and mitigating the impact of escalating tariffs by President Trump. By attracting global tourists, he believes India can counterbalance the economic challenges posed by these tariffs. Discover his insights and the potential of Incredible India.
Key Takeaways
- Enhancing tourism can significantly boost India's export earnings.
- Trump's tariffs provide a unique opportunity for economic reforms.
- India only captures 1.5 percent of the global tourism market.
- Kant emphasizes the need for a comprehensive marketing campaign.
- Attracting global tourists can help mitigate the impact of tariffs.
New Delhi, Aug 9 (NationPress) Former G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant emphasized the importance of enhancing the nation's tourism sector to significantly boost export earnings and address the tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump.
His comments come in light of Trump's recent decision to escalate tariffs to 50 percent on Indian products.
“Tourism can be our largest source of export revenue, unaffected by Trump’s tariffs,” Kant stated in a post on the social media platform X.
“Attracting international tourists will compensate for the 50 percent tariffs imposed on goods,” he added.
Despite India's rich natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural diversity, it only captures a 1.5 percent share of global tourist arrivals.
Kant also expressed concern over the absence of a robust branding or marketing initiative for Indian tourism over the last decade.
He showcased the enormous potential of Incredible India in drawing global tourists, stressing the need for substantial marketing campaigns.
“We require a comprehensive global branding and marketing strategy to unlock the true potential of Incredible India. Otherwise, with the acquisition of 1800 planes by Indian airlines, we will only be transporting Indians overseas for vacations,” he remarked on X.
Kant played a crucial role in developing the Incredible India campaign, which aimed to promote India's diverse culture, heritage, and scenic beauty to attract tourists and investors.
The initial 25 percent duty came into force on August 7, with the extra levy set to take effect in 21 days.
These heightened tariffs will render Indian goods, including shrimps, organic chemicals, carpets, and apparel, more expensive in the US market.
Previously, Kant referred to Trump's steep tariffs as a “once in a generation opportunity.”
He asserted that this situation provides India with a chance to “advance significantly” in reforming its economy and urged the populace to seize the moment.
“Trump has given us a unique opportunity to make substantial reforms. We must fully capitalize on this crisis,” Kant tweeted.
Point of View
I firmly believe that Amitabh Kant's perspective on leveraging India's tourism sector amidst rising tariffs is both timely and strategic. With the nation's wealth of cultural and natural assets, enhancing tourism could provide a much-needed boost to our economy, creating opportunities for growth and international engagement.
NationPress
23/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Amitabh Kant's view on India's tourism sector?
Amitabh Kant believes that strengthening India's tourism sector is essential for boosting export earnings and countering tariffs imposed by the US.
How much of the global tourism market does India capture?
India currently holds only a 1.5 percent share of international tourist arrivals.
What opportunity does Kant see in Trump's tariffs?
Kant views the tariffs as a 'once in a generation opportunity' for India to implement significant reforms and enhance its economic strategy.
