India's tourism sector seeks new strategies to attract foreign visitors

India's tourism sector is facing challenges, with a 10% drop in foreign visitors in early 2024 compared to pre-COVID levels. The country is urged to leverage its colonial history and historical sites to attract more tourists, particularly from Europe. In Fort Kochi, the 500th anniversary of Vasco da Gama's death went largely unnoticed, highlighting missed opportunities to promote India's colonial legacy. The government is encouraged to create fresh narratives to draw foreign tourists, moving beyond outdated slogans. Neglected historical sites, like a British-era tramway in Assam, could be revitalized to enhance tourism. The tourism sector, which supports millions of jobs and contributes significantly to the economy, requires innovative strategies to recover and grow.