The news that the government plans to open up 23 remote Lakshadweep and Andaman islands to private promoters is bound to raise alarm bells. But, in fact, the revenue earned from tourism could well help sustain the fragile ecosystems of these islands. Had it not been for private initiative, Rajasthan's palaces and havelis could well have crumbled to dust. The state has now become India's premier high-end heritage destination, boosting its economy considerably. When Chhattisgarh's tourism board chief threw open the tribal district of Bastar to tourists, many were aghast. This narrow approach has ensured that our share of the world tourism market remains an abysmal 0.38 per cent. (Editorial).