Indiatourism To Aggressively Promote The North-East Region

Aims To Promote Eco-Sensitive Tourism

Bhisham Mansukhani - Mumbai

Gour Kanjilal

Indiatourism has rated the North-East sector as a key tourism priority, underscored by a two-prong initiative to make the region a prime tourism destination. The initiative includes a heightened presence of North-Eastern states' tourism representatives in international tourism events like WTM and ITB as well as a renewed share in the nations's overall tourism allocation to develop infrastructure and fund special interest tourism projects.

The North-Eastern region comprises seven states namely Assam, Nagaland, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram and Meghalaya. Most of these states have their own respective tourism boards but apparently lack the resources to attract domestic and international tourists. According to Gour Kanjilal, regional director (Western & Central India), Indiatourism (Mumbai), "The North Eastern region has been a tourism priority for the government since the early 80s and was mentioned so in the five year plans. There were real concerns at the Centre regarding the fact that these states felt isolated from the rest of the country. Tourism promotion is a wonderful antidote to such a misgiving. So, in this direction, the Centre has ensured prime and complimentary visibility for North Eastern states at trade fair in India and abroad. Infact, at a recent tourism exhibition in the city, the entire stall was dedicated to the North East. The presence has generated considerable interest."

Indiatourism is looking at a selective tourist segment for the North East – one that is seeking adventure and a melting pot of variegate tribal cultures and is willing to forego luxuries that are offered in other states. He further adds, "The North East region contains cultural diversity as well as an eco system which is both scenic and delicate. So, eco-tourism will be the key theme for the region. It's wildlife sanctuaries, trekking trails and mountains are waiting to be explored but there cannot be too much development in these regions as that can be hazardous to its sustenance."

The government is promoting an integrated circuit that includes Shillong, Guwahati, Kazinranga, Tejpur, Tawang, Sibsagar and Kohima. All the above include a combination of pilgrimage, wildlife sanctuaries and number of indigenous tribes.

Going forward, Kanjilal is looking at a circumspect year on year growth of 10 per cent considering the need, he says, to maintain a balance for the sake of protecting the environment from undue pressure. "The North East has ample potential which is latent and through long terms judicious planning, it can be exploited without disturbing the source" concludes Kanjilal.