People Web International

CENTRAL INDIA - The concept of tourism has undergone a change for tour planners. Gone are the days when tourists preferred basking in the sun on the beaches of Goa, now more tourists are striving for the spiritual kick. A dip in the Ganges, travelling to the Himalayas for yoga, and spiritual healing are catching up as the marked tourist preferences. This type of tourism is booming, and beach tourism is slowly fading away to give way to emerging tourist markets in India and diversified tourist products.

The Uttar Pradesh authorities have developed resorts in Rishikesh catering to the wellness industry. The ashrams of Rishikesh are renowned for their spiritual healing and meditation. The rural tourism in the hinterlands of Uttar Pradesh have taken over as a prime industry. Around 60 million people gather for the Hindu festival at Haridwar to take a dip in the sacred Ganges, and the sacred rituals attract people as far as the Netherlands and Austria. The Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, Ujjain and Haridwar are also popular.

What is a century old ritual, that is travel for wellness and spiritualism is now a commercial success, and the State Goverments would do well in developing these thrust products in the tourism sector further by providing tax incentives to promote investment.

(Photo source: http://indoexpedition.com/risikheshhotels.html)

-- by PWI Regional Reporter Central India - central.india@peoplewebinternational.com