Neighbouring countries the focus: CM
New Delhi: Meghalaya Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma has said that both perception and reality of the country as a whole and Northeastern region in particular have to change to give a thrust to tourism which can significantly change not only the lifestyle but also the economy as a whole of the nation.
“Sporadic incidents of violence be it ethnic or communal or even breach in internal security crates a fear psychosis in the minds of the tourists whether they are from within the country or abroad. At the same time a poor economic conditions of the people or their fragile economy also cannot enthuse the travelers,” Dr Sangma said at the Annual Tourism Summit “The Wonder that is India” here at Confederation of Indian Industries on Friday.
“Despite sporadic incidents of violence that too in few pockets of Northeast a perception has been created as if the whole region is burning creating fear among the visitors,” the Chief Minister said adding that peace and development are two basic parameters for promoting tourism in the region.
As far as Meghalaya is concerned the picturesque state is trying to attract tourists from home and abroad with a composite plan linking to health, education and culture.
“My Government is trying to combine all these to woo tourists the way southern cities have done along with students, parents, health seekers, their friends, relatives and near and dear ones,” Dr Sangma, who himself heads tourism portfolio, said. “Our effort is also to take up tourism promotion not only within the region but also with neighbouring countries of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal and further beyond South East Asia,” he said.
Dr Sangma said that though strong foundation has been laid with the help of suitable policy decisions, still there is need to strengthen relationship with neighboring countries, and upscaling internal security. These measures along with strengthening cultural and environmental aspects would facilitate in making Tourism a vibrant sector, he added.
Agreeing with Dr Sangma, Parvez Dewan, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, stressed on the aspect of overcoming “0.6% total tourist arrivals Paradox” which is lingering over the Tourism sector’s growth story in spite of rich history of India. Some of the areas of concern for which collective action is needed are India’s image issue, visa regime, cleanliness, poverty, security, and overpopulation, he said.
In his welcome remarks, Mr Nakul Anand, Chairman, CII National Committee on Tourism & Executive Director, ITC Limited, highlighted upon the catalytic role of Ministry of Tourism. He opined that time is ripe for usher in a new beginning for this sector and seek transformation by learning to adopt by joining forces to pull rather than push.
Exuding confidence in potential of Tourism sector, Mr Arjun Sharma, Co-Chair, CII National Committee on Tourism & Managing Director, Le Passage to India, said that we not only need to strongly propagate “Atithi Devo Bhavah”, but also need to aggressively promote “Brand India” both internationally and domestically. According to him, some of the grey areas affecting the growth aspect of Tourism sector and requiring urgent attention are Visa policy, Taxation policy, not granting of Infrastructure status, Aviation policy, International promotion and markets, and environment.
Reflecting upon India’s dynamic growth story Subhash Goyal, President & Chairman, IATO & STIC Travels Private Limited, said that progress has been made in spite of numerous hindrances and Tourism sector has played a pivotal role in this along with helping in poverty alleviation. He suggested that industry should work keeping in mind overall national interest.
Adding a new dimension to concept of PPP (Public Private Partnership) Sujit Banerjee, Secretary General, World Travel & Tourism Council, India Initiative, suggested to place additional “P” conveying importance of “Patriotism”. In his opinion, Tourism sector may play a significant role in addressing and narrowing CAD (Current Account Deficit), thereby helping in economic revival.