Data confirms that festivals add to tourism footfalls
Editor,
This is in response to the article titled, “Do Festivals Add to Tourism Vibrancy?” by Professor Benjamin Lyngdoh, published in The Shillong Times on August 23, 2023. As an organizer of events and festivals for over 15 years, I feel compelled to address the assumptions made by the professor and provide a different perspective based on our data-driven approach.
The Professor suggests that festivals may not contribute significantly to tourism vibrancy, but I beg to differ based on our experiences. We have meticulously collected data over the years for some of the events and Festivals we execute, which shows that a majority of our ticket purchases, especially for the Cherry Blossom Festival last year were made by tourists (non-residents of Meghalaya). I have to emphasise on this Festival because the professor took a dig at it in the said article. This data supports the idea that festivals can indeed attract tourists and add vibrancy to the tourism industry. We also have inputs from our friends in the hospitality and hospitality services based out of Shillong that most of these tourists who attend festivals in Meghalaya stay for an average of 5-7 Days which indicates that they also visit other places of interest. We did a post festival assessment of drop in tourist footfall last year immediately after the cancellation of the Cherry Blossom Festival supported by evidence from a majority of the accommodation establishments and in connection to festival packages they had sold to their guests. The conclusion was that the State of Meghalaya lost anywhere from 50 to 100 Crores worth of revenue which would have benefitted enterprises in the field of Hospitality, Logistics, F&B and other ventures related to Tourism.
At Rockski, we have adopted a proactive and data-driven approach in curating and planning our festivals. By using our own booking portal and organizing these events well in advance, we allow people to plan their attendance and make necessary arrangements. This approach has yielded positive results, as we have been able to track and have seen an increase in tourist footfall year after year.
While the professor may have theoretical points, I believe it would have been beneficial for him to reach out and consult stakeholders like us, who have first-hand experience in the field. By doing so, he could have strengthened his article with concrete facts and figures, ensuring a more accurate representation of the impact of festivals on tourism vibrancy.
It is essential to recognize the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing between academia and industry professionals. By working together, we can enhance the understanding of the tourism industry and provide valuable insights to students, like those studying tourism at NEHU. This will enable them to make informed decisions and contribute effectively to the sector.
In conclusion, I urge the professor and other researchers to engage with stakeholders in the festival and tourism industry to gather practical insights and data. This will ensure that their articles are well-rounded, backed by factual evidence, and beneficial to both the academic and industry communities. Festivals have the potential of injecting economic, social and environmental (triple-bottom line) benefits. When properly curated and planned, they undoubtedly contribute to tourism vibrancy, and it is crucial that this perspective is accurately represented.
Yours etc.,
Jason Manners
Rockski EMG
Hawkers on footpaths: A perilous menace for Laitumkhrah residents
Editor,
As a concerned resident of Laitumkhrah, it deeply troubles me to witness the ever-worsening state of our neighborhood’s footpaths due to rampant encroachment by hawkers. A recent photograph published in The Shillong Times, displaying the stark reality of pedestrians forced onto the roads due to obstructed motorable roads, paints a grim picture of the dangers we face daily. The consequences are dire, with a surge in accidents and looming health hazards.
The photograph in question depicted the chaotic scene where footpaths and motorable roads, meant to be safe havens for pedestrians, were being dominated by an army of street hawkers and their makeshift stalls. This infringement has turned our once serene walkways into hazardous zones, compelling pedestrians to walk precariously on the roads, weaving through traffic, and putting their lives at risk. The issue has escalated to such an extent that accidents have become all too common.
The perils of this encroachment hit home when my own daughter, a school student, almost became a victim of this menace. While crossing the road, an ambulance en route to the hospital had to swerve to avoid a hawker’s cart obstructing its path. The lack of space forced the ambulance dangerously close to the sidewalk where my daughter was walking, and tragically, a scooter nearly careened into her. This could have been prevented if not for the hawker’s illegal occupation of the portion of the motorable road.
The dangers of this situation extend beyond accidents. The health hazards posed by these encroachments are insidious and far-reaching. The hawkers’ stalls often spill into the walkways, creating an environment ripe for breeding pests and bacteria. Not only are these unsanitary conditions a breeding ground for disease, but the congestion also exacerbates the problem of air pollution, with vehicles idling in traffic due to the limited walking space.
One would hope that after experiencing such a near traumatic event and witnessing the countless near-misses on a daily basis, the concerned authorities would take immediate and effective action to rectify the situation. However, attempts to bring this issue to their attention through correspondence have fallen on deaf ears. Despite numerous appeals, the encroachments persist, and our safety and well-being continue to be compromised.
It is the duty of our elected officials and local administration to ensure the safety and welfare of the residents. It is their responsibility to create an environment where pedestrians can move freely and safely, without having to dodge traffic or risk their health due to unsanitary conditions. The hawker encroachment issue cannot be allowed to persist, lest it erodes the very fabric of our community and leads to more avoidable tragedies.
The situation in Laitumkhrah demands immediate intervention. The encroachment of footpaths and roads by hawkers has led to myriad problems, from escalating accident rates to serious health hazards. My daughter’s near accident stands as a stark reminder of the urgent need for the authorities to act decisively to restore the safety and dignity of our footpaths and roads. It is my hope that this article serves as a wake-up call for those in power, urging them to take action before more lives are needlessly endangered.
Yours etc.,
R. Lyngdoh,
Shillong-3
When will peace return to Manipur?
Editor,
It is reported that a noted songwriter was among 5 killed in Manipur on August 30 2023. After violence erupted in Manipur around 174 people died and over 67,000 have been displaced. The violence continues despite the fact that the central government had sent about 40,000 central armed personnel from the army and Assam Rifles to contain the violence. Peace will not return to Manipur without recovering 6000 weapons and 6 lakh rounds of ammunition that were looted from security forces as alleged by Congress MP, Gaurav Gogoi. So what will be the fate of the tribals of Manipur who have become targets? jae upu What next is the question .
Yours etc.,
Mofidul Islam,
Via email