Foreign language skill: Its importance in Indian tourism

There has been an exponential growth of tourism in India in the recent years. One of the most preferred destinations for travellers, India is becoming a global player in the international tourism sector. With its rich cultural and economic diversity, the country offers an experience to travellers. The country is also gaining popularity in various segments of tourism such as health tourism, eco tourism, heritage tourism and adventure tourism. The Indian hospitality industry has attracted business travellers from various countries by offering them international standards of services. The cost of the services offered by the Indian tourism industry is cheaper when compared to those of other developed nations. This economic factor, along with quality education, is also playing a big role in attracting a sufficiently big number of overseas students to study in Indian universities and other professional institutes.

According to the Ministry of Tourism (MoT), Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) during the month of January 2010 were 4.91 lakhs as against 4.22 lakhs in January 2009 showing a growth of 16.4 per cent. The foreign exchange earnings (FEE) from tourism were ` 5,593 crores during the month of January 2010 as compared to ` 4,598 crores in January 2009. The top 15 countries for FTAs in India during 2009 are USA, UK, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Canada, France, Germany, Australia, Malaysia, Japan, the Russian Federation, China, Singapore, Nepal and Italy respectively.

Generally, in the tourism sector, English is considered to be the most important medium of communication. But tourists will feel at home in another foreign country if they can communicate in their mother tongue. It will help them to be more confident and feel safe as well. Thus apart from English, there is a need for staff having knowledge of other foreign languages. The foreign language skill is invaluable when communicating with people of another country. It acts as a cross cultural interface between tourism enterprises and visitors. The various areas where foreign language skill is important are:

• Travel agencies

Hotels

Tour guides for foreign visitors

Writers of tourist literature

International airline employees

International tour guides

Foreign overseas correspondents

Translators/interpreters

Immigration/customs officials

Overseas broadcast staff

Bilingual teachers.

There is a huge economical benefit in implementing foreign language skills in every tourism sector. However, the need for such skills in India has gained little attention. There is a lack of articulation of these needs among tourism organisations. A wider commitment to this need by all the stakeholders of the industry is required. With the increase of foreign language skills, the demand for teachers and teaching institutes will also increase. Local communities can easily set up teaching institutes which do not require large infrastructure. There is still a shortage of foreign language study materials in the market. Publishers and authors should be encouraged to participate in this area. Self help books written in regional Indian languages will help the rural population to acquire the skill.

At least one foreign language should be introduced in every hospitality and tourism course. Many hospitality institutes are abolishing foreign language subject from their existing syllabus. The reason behind this may not only be non availability of suitable teacher but also to cut cost. Some organisations recruit only part time teachers to give a working knowledge of the subject. This also discourages suitable candidates from opting for foreign language as a career. The course structure should be made in such a way that it offers a prospective career for the student as well as the teacher.

MoT and the Ministry of Education should act together to spread the message of the importance of foreign language skills in the tourism industry. This will definitely help India and her people to flourish in this sector in the long run.