Is Tourism Becoming Just a Business? A Thoughtful Reflection on Rising Costs in India’s Travel Destinations

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In recent years, traveling to tourist destinations across India has become increasingly expensive. What was once an accessible and joyful experience for many now feels more like a luxury reserved for the wealthy. Food, accommodation, transport, and even basic sightseeing have become so costly that visiting these places often ends up costing more than staying in a metro city.

Whether it’s a hotel, a resort, a restaurant, or a local guide, almost every service connected to tourism seems to be centered around maximizing profit. Even small shopkeepers, who used to represent the local charm and warmth of a place, are now pricing their goods at levels that are difficult to justify.

Is This the Right Way to Earn a Living?

Of course, everyone has the right to earn a livelihood, but the question arises - is this fair or ethical? When the cost of every basic necessity at a tourist location is marked up to an unreasonable level, it feels more like exploitation than hospitality.

What’s even more troubling is that this trend doesn’t seem to be happening in isolation. There appears to be silent support - or at least negligence - from government authorities. Instead of regulating unfair pricing or promoting ethical tourism practices, in many cases, officials and local bodies seem to be indirectly encouraging these practices. In some cases, they too benefit from the growing commercialization of tourism.

A Divide Between Rich and Honest Travelers

This trend creates an obvious gap between two kinds of tourists:

  • Wealthy tourists, who may earn large sums of money - sometimes through unethical means - tend not to be bothered by these high prices. For them, it’s just part of the luxury travel experience.
  • Hardworking, honest individuals, on the other hand, find it increasingly difficult to afford travel. For them, a family vacation that once brought joy and peace now feels financially burdensome and emotionally disappointing.

This shift in tourism culture discourages everyday people from exploring their own country. Destinations that once offered simplicity and a connection with nature or heritage now feel like commercial centers driven purely by money.

This Isn’t Just About Popular Spots

This problem isn’t limited to well-known places like Goa, Manali, Ooty, or Shimla. The same trend is visible across the country - from lesser-known hill stations and religious towns to offbeat travel spots. Wherever tourism begins to develop, overpricing seems to follow almost immediately.

Where Are We Headed as a Society?

This situation raises some serious and uncomfortable questions:

  • Are we turning tourism into a privilege for the elite?
  • Have we forgotten the values of honesty, fairness, and hospitality?
  • Is the focus on profit overshadowing the purpose of travel - exploration, peace, culture, and human connection?

If everything becomes about money, where is the compassion? Where is the effort to make travel enjoyable and inclusive for everyone?

What Can Be Done?

If you’ve ever been overcharged at a tourist destination, or if you’re part of the tourism industry yourself, consider the following:

  • As a traveler, support local businesses that offer fair prices and genuine service, rather than expensive commercial chains.
  • As a service provider, build trust by offering quality, transparency, and fair pricing. Long-term relationships are more valuable than quick profits.
  • As a policymaker or government official, create and enforce guidelines that ensure ethical tourism and prevent exploitation.

Let’s Bring Humanity Back to Tourism

This reflection is not meant to criticize for the sake of complaining, but to start a conversation. Tourism should not be just a business - it should be about experiences, memories, and shared cultures.

Let us rethink how we treat travelers and how we shape our destinations. Let’s ensure that tourism remains inclusive, affordable, and meaningful for everyone.


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