G20 and the Northeast

The 10th edition of International Tourism Mart, organised recently in Aizawl, Mizoram, saw the Northeast showcasing its tourism offerings as the government focuses on putting its best foot forward for G20 meetings, which are proposed to be held in several states of the region.

TT Bureau

The 10th International Tourism Mart (ITM) for the Northeast was recently held in Aizawl, Mizoram. The inaugural session saw G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister- Tourism, Culture & DoNER, addressing the attendees. Objective of ITM 2022 was to highlight tourism potential of the Northeast region in domestic and international markets. Underlining the importance of the upcoming G20 Presidency of India, he said, “The G20 offers the best opportunity for India to showcase its culture, history and tourism potential and to position itself as a major tourist destination in the world. India will soon be presiding over the G20 from December 2022 to November 2023. We will host over 200 meetings across 55 cities during this period. These meetings are also proposed to be held in several states of Northeast including Aizawl.”

He added, “Among the G20 member countries, China, Mexico, India, South Africa and Indonesia are projected to expand their tourism industry post-COVID. With our presidency we definitely can stride ahead of these four-five countries to build the rightful place of India’s tourism industry in the global arena. We must plan to showcase our Northeastern cultural richness while welcoming the world to our country. The International Tourism Mart 2022 will highlight the diverse tourist attractions and products offered in the eight states.”

Reddy also laid the foundation stone of Aizawl Convention Center at Chite, PRASHAD Project in Mizoram and two Bamboo Link Roads during the inauguration of the ITM, along with Zoramthanga, Chief Minister of Mizoram. He also launched the Mizoram Tourism Coffee Table Book. Other dignitaries gracing the occasion included Robert Romawia Royte, MoS Tourism Govt of Mizoram; Arvind Singh, Secretary, Tourism; Gyan Bhusan, Senior Economic Advisor, Tourism and Manisha Saxena, Principal Secretary, Tourism Department, Government of Mizoram.

Sharing that MICE sector will be a key focus in the days to come for the MOT, Reddy said, “India will also hold an investors’ conclave in 2023 to promote global investments and MICE tourism. Our focus will be to increase the global investments not only in the hospitality industry, but also to promote theme parks and entertainment centres, adventure tourism, cruise tourism, wellness tourism and winter tourism.”

He informed that the Government of India has been providing financial assistance to the Northeast region for overall tourism infrastructure development, promotion of fairs/ festivals, tourism-related events in the region and publicity campaigns. “MOT has also formed a committee of active stakeholders in NER. Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of DoNER and Ministry of Road Transport & Highways is developing 100 viewpoints in Northeast region. Twenty-two viewpoints have been taken up for development at a cost of `49 crores. In Mizoram, nine viewpoints have been taken up for development at the cost of `12.78 crores. In addition to that, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways is also in the process of developing viewpoints on their own,” informed the Minister.

He even highlighted the development of tourism at the borders. “The Ministry of Defence through its Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is playing a crucial role in improving road infrastructure in the border areas. BRO has taken the initiative of providing basic amenities to tourists visiting the scenic locations by building BRO cafes, which are being built in 75 locations in the first phase. In the NE states, BRO cafes are being built at 25 locations in the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Manipur, Nagaland and Assam,” he shared.

He claimed that the MOT is emphasising on the development and promotion of tourism in the Northeastern states. “Under Swadesh Darshan Scheme, the Ministry has sanctioned 16 projects in the Northeast region of India for a total amount of `1337.63 crore. Close to 25 per cent of Swadesh Darshan Projects have been sanctioned to Northeast states. Under PRASHAD Scheme, the Ministry has sanctioned approximately `200 crores for various projects in the region,” said Reddy.

At the press conference before the event, Reddy also informed that `58.63 crores have been sanctioned under Swadesh Darshan scheme for development of Thenzawl and South Zone and Development of eco adventure circuit in the state of Mizoram. “Under PRASHAD scheme of tourism ministry, Ministry has approved a project for development of amenities for pilgrims, congregation area, facilitation centre at Aizawl, Hangi Lunlen, Tlang – Prayer Mountain, Khuangchera Puk, Reiek peak and Khawruhlian. The cost is around `45 crores. A task force for tourism promotion in the Northeast will be established soon,” he added.

Zoramthanga said, “From evergreen hills, dense bamboo jungles, lush green paddy fields and the blue mountains, Mizoram has unpolluted environment and unpolluted atmosphere.