New Delhi:
The adverse publicity of the Commonwealth Games has badly affected the Ayurvedic and Medical Tourism industry, which was expected to be the largest beneficiary of the event, said the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM).
The ASSOCHAM had earlier predicted that Ayurvedic and Medical Tourism industries would fetch around Rs 800 crore of revenue during the mega event. But the scenario has completely changed now.
"The situation is completely different. There has been hardly any improvement in the industry.
The image of the CWG and other activities related to it have suffered because of the adverse publicity," said Assocham Secretary General D S Rawat.
In view of rising demand for ayurvedic therapy and products, the Chambers in 2009 estimated that the domestic ayurvedic industry market, evaluated at Rs 3000 crore, would go up by over Rs 5000 crore in the next two years.
"Tourism is not expected to be in levels as it was projected and activities related to it are not expected to improve," he added.
Rawat said only 15-18 per cent improvements are now expected in both medical and ayurvedic tourism.
The sentiments are echoed by the ayurvedic centres in the capital as well. They said the centres are witnessing a large number of cancellations till the end of the Games.
"There is almost 40 per cent cancellations. Patients have either cancelled or postponed the treatment till 15 October," said Dr Ramniwas Prasher of Vedanta Ayurveda.
Binu Nair, Director of Santhigram Kerala Ayurvedic Centre, said there has been no new spurt in the business which can be attributed to the Commonwealth Games.
"There are no immediate bookings till the CWG," said Nair.
India has always been the favourite destination for people seeking ayurvedic treatment. For years, the government as well the entrepreneurs have been banking on this industry to reap heavy revenues and the industry anticipated the Games to be a boon to them.
However, Rawat conceded that the government has started taking actions to improve the situation. But many feel it is too late to make any significant improvement.