Northeast an international hub?

While there is immense potential in the region, does it have sufficient infrastructure to be able to be developed as an international or even a domestic tourism hub? Experts deliberate during the ICC North East Travel Conclave 2020. Another point they bring up is the need for an upgrade of the product the states in the region offer.

Hazel Jain

What is the kind of business potential for the tourism sector in Northeast India and is there a possibility for it to emerge as a tourism hub in Southeast Asia? This was the topic that many experts discussed during a conclave dedicated to the region. Capt. Swadesh Kumar, President, Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI), was of the opinion that while the region is beautiful, developing a product is crucial. “Unfortunately, although all eight states are open now, it is very crucial for the local industry to develop the product well. Right now, I’m seeing the same itinerary copied and pasted from one another. I humbly request my colleagues in the trade to please create new programmes. Visit the area yourself and then create them, use photos to showcase them to your clients. When we are making a package, we need to add two to three states, so co-ordination between agents in those states is important. If you want to survive today, you have to form friendships and alliances. You cannot survive alone. Please also promote the festivals in the region. That is one of the highlights of the Northeast. Right now, there isn’t much information available on that,” he said.

Meanwhile, Pawan Hans has deployed helicopters in this region for passenger services and VIP transportation in states such as Sikkim, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Nagaland. Development of river cruise circuits is also coming up.

Sharing her honest opinion, Vasuki Sundaram, Chairperson, IATO, Maharashtra Chapter, said, “I feel this discussion on developing this region as a tourism hub in Southeast Asia is a bit futuristic. It is way ahead of its time as we are still waiting for the government to put the essential logistics in place whether it is air connectivity with neighbouring countries, waterways or road. We also need standardised hotels. Even within India, we need to develop domestic network and connectivity. If we are talking about making the Northeast a tourism hub, it needs to meet international standards. The trade in turn can help train the youth on this region.”

One region, one SOP

Voicing his concern about the non-homogeneity of the current protocols for the states, Nirmalya Choudhury, ED – Operations, JTI Group & Chapter Chairman, North East States, IATO, said, “What we need now is a common SOP for visitors from rest of India and abroad. The Northeast is addressed as a single unit. So, in terms of destination promotion, we must recognise that in people’s mind it is a single zone for tourism – and they usually combine two or more states. We must look at developing a common COVID protocol whether they enter by rail, road or air. Right now, they have to go through multiple tests – two to three times during their stay of 14 days.”

Choudhury added that the tourism secretaries of all the states should come on a common platform and exchange ideas while devising future plans and policies. “We also need to restart air connectivity with our Southeast Asian neighbours, especially Singapore and Thailand,” he said. The aim for all experts was to focus and promote the entire Northeast region and not just a few states.

Better marketing is key

“A major point we must all focus on is to showcase our beautiful Northeast region and its potential for rural tourism. The tourism business is no longer how it used to be, but we can now plan better. Once we fulfil their requirements for domestic tourism and in the Northeast region, people will want to explore their own country.”