Imagine India, a nation that has revolutionized digital payments worldwide with its UPI system. A country where every citizen carries a refined biometric identity card, the Aadhaar. Yet, when it comes to welcoming foreign guests, the hospitality sector seems stuck in a bygone era. The absence of a seamless, integrated system to verify the identities of humans raises concerns.
Take Nick’s story; One fine night in the month of October, Nick booked a hotel through a travel booking brand in Chandigarh and prepaid for the room. After a long nine-hour bus ride, he arrived at the hotel, only to be told that no foreigners were allowed. Confused and frustrated, he prepared to leave.
Thinking this was an isolated incident, Nick later booked another hotel in Lucknow, continuing his visit to India. After a grueling sixteen-hour train journey, he arrived at the hotel, only to face the same issue: “no foreigners allowed”. Despite explaining his previous experience in Chandigarh, looking for sympathy, the hotel staff refused to accommodate him.
Nick speculated that the refusal wasn’t due to any legal restrictions, but rather because the staff were either unwilling to do the necessary procedure (Filling the C-form on Government authorized site) or the Indian Hotel Community couldn’t game up with prerequisites of basic IT Awareness and Use of Computer. This led him to perceive the situation as discriminatory, as there is no law preventing hotels from hosting foreign guests, and the refusal seemed arbitrary.
This story sheds light on a broader issue: India’s tourism sector is a key pillar of its global image, contributing significantly to the nation’s soft power. When hotels turn away international guests out of negligence or reluctance to complete basic procedures, it tarnishes India’s reputation as a hospitable destination. This isn’t just about paperwork; it’s about ensuring that every guest, regardless of their nationality, feels welcome, safe, and valued.
In India, we proudly say ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’—the guest is God. It’s a mantra woven into the fabric of our culture. Yet, behind this golden principle, the reality doesn’t always align with the ideal.
Every hotel owner, irrespective of their scale or location, should understand and fulfill this responsibility. It’s time we unite, spread awareness, and stand as proud ambassadors of our nation’s rich culture. Let’s ensure that every visitor leaves India with memories of warmth and not rejection. Together, let’s uphold our nation’s pride on the global stage—because India deserves to shine, and every guest deserves to feel at home. Jai Hind!
