The UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) observes the 27th Sept every year as the World Tourism Day. It is a day wherein the value of Tourism and significance of the industry is globally linked to the economy, social, political and culture. Nagaland Tourism industry promoted through the mega Hornbill Festival ever since 2000; pouring crores of money by the Govt on many count attracted criticism instead of capitalising on the platform created by the Government. Sometimes it looks like the locals are more excited tourists than the actual visitors but that’s not a crime. Despite its ups and down, the Hornbill festival today stands the biggest and most popular in the North East India. While the neighbouring states have also evolved or built their festivals around the Hornbill festival which infact is good for people in the travel industry.It may be noted here, there are different types of Tourism and we must ask ourselves what do we have; that may bring the best business besides keeping in mind the aspect of Mass tourism and Alternate tourism even as we plan our Tourism market. There is the Adventure; which of course is my favourite, the culture tourism, the rural tourism, tribal tourism, nature tourism and many more. Shouldn’t we ask if Health tourism? Pilgrimage tourism? Wildlife tourism? Heritage tourism? Sports tourism? Educational tourism? Business tourism? or Leisure tourism? Well we all know the answer, its not rocket science to understand our assets. Than why are we not heading towards the desired share of the tourism market. Has there been wasting with our planning, marketing, publicity, training? I agree the hotels don’t get much business other than Hornbill festivals and Govt patronage, but Tourism is bigger. It should bring employment. Alleviate poverty, empower the community besides helping conserve the empowerment.
When we look at statistics, tourists travel has increased since 1950s from humble 25 million to 1 billion in 2012. Are we fixing our eyes on these mammoth numbers? or shall we wait for Tour operators from across the country and neighbouring state to offer and share a slice of their pie. Is Nagaland a tourist first destination? Or a side cake only promoted by neighbouring travel companies. My mind rushes to the transport sector without which the tourist unless walking would not move. Yes, where can I get a trained, experienced and willing to do business transport company. We are not able to promote local taxis and when the Hornbill Festival is full swing; all you see is Taxis with neighbouring registration plying our quickie lipstick job tarmac while local taxis don’t benefit from any tourism industry. Talking about Industry, I wonder why the Govt of Nagaland is yet to consider and contemplate on Tourism Industry subsidy schemes and I would be the happiest man if I ever see a CM Corpus Funded local taxi carrying tourist across Nagaland.
I believe Tourism is the only industry in Nagaland that has potential to grow given the right thrust and political commitment. Identify the Tourist circuits without tribal and political considerations, build them at least if not 100%, train the local community to use them effectively, there’s always a budget there. Without training, sensitization and community sense of ownership, even gold and silver won’t mean a thing to us Nagas. Do the publicity and marketing effectively and definitely. If the little hotels are full than we can pitch tents and Camps but let people know and visit Nagaland. Let us train our young people and help them grow with challenges. Nagaland Tourism may not be able to boast of a Heritage building, Educational tourism, Wellness Tourism currently but definitely we have what others don’t and that is the rural tourism, the culture, traditions and the people if not Adventure tourism. Partnership is key to fulfilment, all allied tourism agencies must come together and bond with the Govt efforts and the Dept of Tourism initiatives if the industry is to be promoted and grow to maturity.
On the occasion of World Tourism Day 2015, Let us take advantage of the 1 billion opportunities possible only in Tourism Industry as we brace for the Hornbill festival – the Festival of festivals.
