Festivals, Footfalls, Future: World Tourism Day and Nagaland

If one were to identify two sectors that the Nagaland government has been promoting extensively over the years, which have attracted both praises and jeers from the public, they would have to be music and tourism. Notably, the Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA), formerly the Music Task Force, was established in 2003 with a vision to promote the culture and tradition of the state through arts and music, besides creating employment opportunities for young people. Setting aside criticisms, returns, and other aspects of the government's special attention on the sector, it is closely intertwined with tourism, an area that warrants a closer examination, particularly as the world observes Tourism Day on Friday, September 26, an occasion to reflect on the roles it plays in shaping the social and economic life of millions of people across the globe. As envisioned by many, including visionary leaders from within the state and visiting dignitaries from beyond, the tourism industry in Northeast India has flourished over the years. Once an undiscovered and feared region, it has transformed into a tourist hotspot, thanks to its rich biodiversity, mesmerising landscapes, the internet revolution, and, most importantly, the significant decline in insurgent activities that had previously deterred outsiders.

Nagaland has also seen a steady increase in tourist footfall over the years. As per the data provided by the Tourism department, a total of 22,499 tourists, including 21,004 domestic and 1,495 foreign, visited the state in 2010, while the number swelled to 131,139 (approx. 1.32 lakh) – 1,25,516 domestic and 5,623 foreign – in 2024. The Tourism Annual Report revealed that out of the total visitors last year, a whopping 58,744 of them -- 56,217 domestic and 2,527 foreign – visited during the 10-day Hornbill Festival in December, accounting for about 44.79 per cent of the year’s tourists. While the spike in tourist footfall is encouraging, the low inflow of visitors from January to November raises questions about sustainability. It is essential to address and change this trend. Towards this end, the state government has announced the Nagaland Tourism Policy, sensing the gaps in the tourism industry. Through this policy, the state government prioritises sustainable, responsible and community-centred tourism to maintain a balance between economic prosperity and social responsibility. The current influx of tourists will not provide a sustainable source of income for the local population, nor will it bring significant changes to the local economy. According to statistics, Nagaland remains one of the least favoured tourist destinations among the Northeastern states. To turn the tide and transform tourism into an economic-driving force, the state government must get down to the nitty-gritty of the sector, promote rural tourism and make tourism a year-round affair. For this, a significant improvement in infrastructure and connectivity – air, rail and road – is required.