Says Centre must invest in the tourism industry by creating infrastructure, support digital ventures, and extend assistance
Our Correspondent
Kohima, Sep. 29 (EMN): Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday said that the north-eastern region has the potential to become the tourism hub of the country.
He was addressing a ‘Destination North East 2020’ programme, coinciding with World Tourism Day, which is being held from September 27 to the 30th, under the initiative of North Eastern Council and the ministry of Development of North Eastern Region.
"The north-eastern region is the perfect destination for the new trends of experiential trips, location glamping, customised getaways and unique experiences found nowhere else in the world. The diversity that is on offer here, and the vast canvas of culture, heritage, adventure, festivals, nature and wildlife are unmatched," Rio said.
All that needs to be done is synchronise the NE states and create a tourism network that is interconnected in a seamless manner, he said.
Several circuits designed to meet different expectations can be formulated and made available in a manner that is smooth and easy to access, the chief minister added.
According to him, such collective efforts will ensure elevation of the tourism strategy and make the region as a destination that will get on the bucket list of travellers from all over the globe.
"The need of the hour is for the government of India to understand the tourism prospects of the region with knowledge that this sector has the potential to turn the economy on its head and generate a great amount of meaningful employment,” he pointed out.
The Centre must invest in the tourism industry by creating infrastructure, support digital ventures, and extend assistance in accordance with the needs of the respective states. The central ministries must understand that each state has its own unique USP (unique selling point) and likewise investments and infrastructure development must be in accordance with local needs and sensitivities, Rio maintained.
The region has the prospect to contribute towards the national economy, enhance the tourism value and diversity of the nation and become one of the incomparable destinations of Incredible India, he said.
‘India is an internationally acclaimed tourism destination with millions of visitors every year. The diversity that India offers is incomparable to any other country. But the Covid-19 pandemic has adversely impacted the entire economy, with tourism industry as one of the hardest-hit sectors. Even now tourism and travel industry is yet to get back on its feet and observers feel that its full potential will not be realised until a vaccine for Covid-19 is widely available,’ Rio said.
He shared that Nagaland has been focussing on tourism and convert it into a sector that positively contributes towards the economic growth of the state, and as an employment generator.
However, in view of the pandemic, the state is "rewriting the tourism script to align our tourism industry to the changed dynamics of the present times", he said.
The chief minister also updated that the state government is investing on various digital strategies and using technological approaches to bridge the gaps.
"We are hopeful that we will be prepared with a narrative that will be in tune with the post-Covid scenario once the pandemic is over. Virtual festivals on digital platforms, drive-in events and creation of tourism bubbles for customised holidays and vacations are some of the new narratives which we have been working on,” Rio informed.