‘Need for a common tourism policy in NE’

IIM Shillong holds symposium on community-based tourism

Shillong: There is a need for a common tourism policy in the North East to develop a matrix for circuits across all the eight states, said G Panmei of North East Council during a two-day symposium on community-based tourism in the North East in the city.

The event, organised by the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Centre for Policy Research and Analysis, IIM Shillong, began on August 10.

Panmei highlighted that on the basis of the World Bank Group study and various other inputs and impressions available, five segments have been identified for special focus. These segments are cultural, adventure, nature, agro and health tourism. He mentioned that a common registration process for tourists travelling to the region should be initiated so that the traveller should feel comfortable in planning.

There is a need to sensitise the people at the village level about community-based tourism infrastructure, standardisation of certain food menus, improvement in presentation and packaging, and aggressive marketing of local cuisines among other important parameters.

Prof. DP Goyal, director of IIM-Shillong, highlighted that government agencies and all stakeholders should work in convergence and that for a seamless tourist experience, the pain points should be removed and suitable strategies should be developed for promoting Destination North East.

He highlighted that IIM Shillong being an institution of National Importance should have the responsibility of contributing to the region.

The inaugural session was followed by three technical sessions on Day 1, and the themes revolved around CBT tourism in NER, the role of government in developing tourism ecosystems, idea exchanges, and best practices.

The second day of the symposium will have sessions on exploring business opportunities, developing CBT models, and dialogue on community concerns and participation.

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