The tourism and hospitality industry in India: emerging issues for the next decade

Purpose This paper aims to introduce the theme issue and strategic question: What should Indian tourism and hospitality managers focus on to stay competitive in the coming decade? It also presents an overview of recent developments in the tourism and hospitality industry and presents some statistics and trends relating to prospects for the tourism and hospitality industry in India. Design/methodology/approach Emerging trends emanate from various official reports and expert views. The paper also highlights key issues and areas for investigation by the theme issue contributors. Findings Strong growth is predicted for the tourism and hospitality industry and some of the underpinning issues that will influence competitiveness are the role of social media, business model innovations, risk management, talent management, valuation models, the influence of information technology, employee loyalty and design thinking in hospitality higher education. Originality/value This introductory paper captures the essence of the prevailing trends in the tourism and hospitality industry as a starting point for this theme issue.