Has Taj Mahotsav promoted tourism in Agra?

The hospitality industry captains in Agra are neither excited nor creatively involved in the ten day-long annual cultural extravaganza, 'Taj Mahotsav' that opened at the Shilpgram complex, 500 metres from the Taj Mahal, a week ago. The tourism industry feels the Mahotsav has had no impact on tourism promotion, though it was started in 1992, with the specific objective of attracting foreign and domestic visitors. Over the years, the Taj Mahotsav has been reduced to a local fair or a 'Tamasha', say the hoteliers. Though the number of local visitors has gone up, the failure to attract foreign tourists, call for reviewing the character of the fair, as also the timings, say the hoteliers. Some tourism industry leaders here say the original objectives for organising this fair have not been fulfilled. "It has got too much localised and seems like some kind of an extended village Haat," they say. It has been reduced to a local 'mela-tamasha' (fun fair) and in no way has helped promote tourism in the city, industry stakeholders say. The fair lacks a distinct appeal and thrust areas that could interest foreign visitors. Hoteliers say the tourists fail to get a glimpse of the splendour and opulence of the Mughal era. A hotelier said: "Year after year you cannot go on repeating the same old features. The cultural richness of Braj Bhoomi and the Mughal era should be creatively presented and the local artists should be given an opportunity to showcase their talents. "It should not remain a government show managed by indifferent bureaucrats. The industry too should share some responsibility," he added.