Monday, August 09, 2004

Playing Blackjack with the Taj Mahal

Gambling the Taj

It seems as if one of the world's great wonders, the Taj Mahal, is not enough to keep tourists in Agra.

Apparantly, ministers in the Utter Pradash part of India is looking at plans to open casinos in Agra - if that would get more tourists to the Taj Mahal. Agra itself is devoid of any other activity to interest tourists - except for its 5-star hotels - and people simply keep away.

A senior minister states there's 2 proposals - one to open the Taj in the night - and secondly to open casinos for more 'excitement'

Express India amusingly comments that the ministry has obviously overlooked the basic concept of marketing and building infrastructure such as airpotys and roads to make it easier to get to the Taj.

Having been to the Taj recently, I'll join in its cynicism. Whilst the Taj under a full moon would be stunning and casinos would make its nightlife slightly more interesting, the government's first steps should really be to improve the surrounding land and buildings (its a mess), re-think its entrance fee requirements (also a mess) - and then worry about its nightlife - casinos would be a nice touch once everything else becomes slightly more inviting

posted by jo @ 9:16 PM   0 comments

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