Govt Unveils Strategy For Sustainable Tourism Development In North East

The North East Region occupies a unique place in terms of natural beauty and development of tourism in the region should take into account its sensitive ecosystem, said V Vidyavathi, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism.

“This region offers huge geographical diversity which provides great scope for Adventure Tourism. The Ministry of Tourism has formulated a National Strategy for Adventure Tourism and constituted a National Board for Adventure Tourism to guide the operationalization and implementation of the strategy to promote and develop adventure tourism in the country,” she said.

“Ministry of Tourism has drafted the Adventure Tourism Model law which covers the Obligations, Institutional Framework, Penalties, Registration and the Provision of Insurance. It has been circulated to all States/UTs for feedback,” said Vidyavathi while speaking at the Business Session held on the second day of International Tourism Mart (ITM) in Shillong.

She also urged the North Eastern States to proactively participate in the endeavour to strengthen safety for undertaking adventure sports activities in the country including North East.

Strategy To Promote Rural Tourism

Representatives of the eight North Eastern States presented the updates on their new destinations as well as new opportunities in their States. Knowledge sessions and panel discussions with panelists from both the government and private sectors deliberated on the advances and development of connectivity in the region.

The Secretary highlighted that, recognizing the growing preference for experiential tourism, the Ministry of Tourism has devised a National Strategy to boost the promotion of rural homestays. This approach aims not only to offer tourists diverse accommodation options but also to foster inclusive development by generating entrepreneurial opportunities and jobs within local communities. She urged all the North Eastern States to actively explore the adoption of the Homestays strategy, emphasizing its alignment with the 'vocal for local' initiative and its potential to bolster rural tourism in the region.

The International Tourism Mart is an annual event held by the Ministry of Tourism, Govt of India in one of the North Eastern States on rotation basis. The mart provides a platform for the local stakeholders to interact with their counterparts from both within the country and overseas markets. The Ministry of Tourism also hosts media and tour operators at the travel mart so as to create awareness about various tourism products and destinations in the North East to increase tourism to the region.

Conclusion

The Ministry of Tourism's focus on the North East Region underscores the significance of balancing tourism development with the preservation of its unique and sensitive ecosystem. The commitment to adventure tourism aligns with the region's vast geographical diversity, presenting opportunities for sustainable growth in this sector. The introduction of the Adventure Tourism Model law and the emphasis on safety measures further demonstrate the government's dedication to responsible tourism practices.