Death of tourism in Northeast India?

 

As tourism industry is inextricably linked to the law and order situation, the volatile atmosphere in the region has done no good to this sector. Is there a prospect for improvement in the foreseeable future?

A decade ago, a foreign national, who came to investigate an NGO in Manipur, was kidnapped by an insurgent group based in Manipur. More than ten years down the line, the negative impact created by that incident has not faded one bit. There are reports that the NGO pulled out of its projects in Manipur. And that was not one off incident which can be push out of memory. That was what came to define the state in the eyes of outsiders. Kidnapping, extortion, murder- these have come to define the state and the region. As if not enough, people from outside the region have come to define the region in terms of obscurity and misinformation. The region is indeed shrouded in the web of misunderstanding!

The Northeast region, often term as ‘Paradise Unexplored’, has a great potential and unique spots for tourism. All the states in the region have something to showcase to the outside world. Indeed the region is a rich source of biodiversity where the beauty of nature is at its full glory. However, the ‘mystic, vibrant and unique’ culture and places in the region have lost their sheen due to the ongoing armed conflict. Besides the lack of infrastructure, the sense of insecurity and volatile law and order situation has proverbially killed the prospects of tourism in the womb of the nature. The loss in terms of both money and information is immense.

 It may do well to recount some of the incidents involving kidnapping and extortion of foreign nationals by insurgents. On 24th March 2003, a German national identified was kidnapped near Moirang Lamkhai in Bishnupur district of Manipur by Kuki Revolutionary Army militants. However, another kidnapping incident hit the final nail in the coffin of the state in so far as prospects of tourism in the state are concerned. In 2001 also, two Japanese agricultural experts were kidnapped but later released. This action led to the Japanese pulling out from all projects in the region.

The flip side of the story is that these incidents have done a massive damage to the region in respect of economy and tourism prospect. Those involved in the mindless actions seem to have forgotten the potential benefits which this sector could bring to the economy of the region. Besides helping in reviving the economy and providing employment opportunities, it will help in reducing migration to other states for employment opportunities.

The damage on social integration is equally telling. There is little or no social contacts with the people from outside the region which has further fuelled discrimination and prejudice towards the people from the region. Tourism promotes understanding of culture. When people visit the region, they learn new things about traditional tribes.  For example, the Khasi tribe of Meghalaya practices matriarchy system since time immemorial and in Manipur, holi is celebrated for five days. There are a number of vibrant and unique traditions across the region. Tourism activities will spread this awareness and will reduce the misunderstanding and cultural misconception that are face by most of the northeast people who reside outside the region.

These days some positive activity in promoting tourism is being seen. For instance, recently, Guwahati hosted the first international Tourism Mart which saw participation from 23 countries including ASEAN member countries, Bangladesh, Japan and the UK among others. With some states witnessing return to normalcy, vigorous attempts are being made to promote tourism prospects in the region. Concerted efforts from all the stakeholders are required for making the region a tourism hub in the near future. Besides infrastructure, supports from the government and visible improvement in the law and order situation in the region would be required to put the region on tourism map of the world.

Economic benefits :

Tourism   is one of the most effective ways of redistributing wealth. It brings income into a community that would otherwise not be earned. Economic benefits resulting from tourism can take a number of forms including:

Jobs

Employment may be associated directly, such as tour guides or managerial positions; or in supporting industries like food production or retail suppliers.

 Increased spending

Increased spending in the community generated from visitors or tourism businesses can directly and indirectly promote the viability of local businesses.

Economic diversification

Tourism operators can play a role in highlighting the broad prosperity that tourism can bring to a community and will contribute to a greater understanding and respect for the value of tourism.

Economic diversification is, for many communities, an insurance policy against hard times. By offering an additional means of income, tourism can support a community when a traditional industry is under financial pressure.

Infrastructure

Infrastructure including roads, parks, and other public spaces can be developed and improved both for visitors and local residents through increased tourism activity in a region.

Social benefits

Community identity and pride can be generated through tourism. A positive sense of community identity can be reinforced and tourism can encourage local communities to maintain their traditions and identity.

Environmental benefits

Providing financial or in-kind support for the conservation of the local environment and natural resources will enhance the reputation of any tourism business.  Tourism, particularly ecotourism, can place a greater focus on the conservation of natural resources through the recognition of their importance to visitor experiences and their economic value to the local community.

(This article was published in the April Issue of Northeast Today magazine)