The insurgency of rebel groups in the Northeast is tapering off. No wonder Delhi is keen on doing aggressive marketing of the region as a major tourist destination across the globe. The Union Ministry of Tourism has got around 85 buyers from 23 countries to participate in the first ever International Tourist Mart which has started in Guwahati. People outside the Northeast do not know much about the wonderful places and diverse cultures in the Northeastern states. But foreign tourist arrival in the region has gone up by about 18% in the past two years. The International Mart is geared to boost this part of Incredible India in a big way. What is necessary is putting a proper marketing strategy in place to brighten the tourism scene in the Northeast in the next few years. The Mart is an unparalleled gathering of tour operators, hoteliers and officials from different countries. It is being rightly held in Guwahati. Along with the Northeast, Darjeeling in West Bengal which is geographically close to the region can be a part of the tour-operators’ tourism package.
The intention of the Centre is unexceptionable. The tourist attractions of the Northeast-the scenic beauty and the flora and fauna-can be a big draw for foreigners and bring in oodles of foreign exchange. But the tourists should be offered the facilities which they are accustomed to. The waning of the terrorist menace is a big help. But what is more important is connectivity. Road, rail, river and air links should be brought up to International standards. Tourist accommodation should also be a major item on the agenda. It does not mean only five star hotels but also nice, comfortable lodges for foreign tourists travelling on a low budget. Another area that demands attention is eco-tourism which, even if expensive, can be a big attraction. Local people should be ready to receive visitors with a smile and official restrictions on travel and sight-seeing have to be relaxed.