New Delhi, Nov 21: Seat capacity and pricing of air passage have remained "critical barriers" in the way of India's becoming competitive in the global tourism market, a study on the impact of the prevailing civil aviation policy on the tourism sector has said. Seat capacity on all international routes to India registered a growth of 40 per cent between 1989 and 2000, compared with a whopping 485 per cent growth for China, the study commissioned by the Department of Tourism said.
Similarly, countries like UK and US with a relatively higher base than in India recorded a higher growth rate at 101 per cent and 61 per cent respectively during the same period, the study conducted by the Crisil and others said.
An analysis of the index cost of air tickets from London to various destinations in south east Asia and the pacific revealed that India (Mumbai) was the most expensive destination compared to competitive destinations in the region.
It implied that south east Asia and pacific destinations were very integrated as alternatives for India with holiday travellers, it said.
Bureau Report