Northeast must fully tap Tourism sector now: Dr Jitendra Singh

GUWAHATI: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Dr Jitendra Singh on Tuesday said that there was an immediate need to avail of the post-COVID opportunities in the Tourism sector across India, particularly the north-eastern region. He pointed out that the Northeast can offer itself as an alternative to some of the European destinations that many regular holiday-makers may find less preferable in the immediate aftermath of the high Corona prevalence over there.

At a meeting with representatives of various tourist and transport organizations, Dr Jitendra Singh said, "The opportunity is knocking at our door. It is now up to us as to how best we are prepared to avail of this opportunity." He further said that if in this season we are able to ensure a boost in our tourist inflow, it will set a trend for the following years.

Dr Singh also said that the Northeast, despite some of its choicest destinations in Meghalaya, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, could not adequately avail of the opportunities because of the lack of support from the Centre and low prioritization from the successive governments. However, he said, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, there has been revolutionary and fast-track improvement in the means of connectivity and transport, which should facilitate the ease of tourism.

Citing an example, he said that there was a time where roads linking the two States remained unattended because none of the States would take the responsibility; but now, under Central government's 'North Eastern Road Development Scheme', this issue has also been addressed. Tourists landing at the Guwahati airport today prefer to go to Shillong and other destinations in Meghalaya by road rather by helicopter or by other means, simply to relish the joy of a picturesque journey, he added.

Laying particular emphasis on the three components of tourism, namely Holiday Makers, Medical Tourists and Film Makers, Dr Jitendra Singh referred to the decision to set up a Film Studio in Sikkim and the upcoming Film and Television Institute in Arunachal Pradesh. He said, in the last six years, Guwahati has developed as one of the best Super Specialty Healthcare destinations, adding that this aspect needs to be propagated not only in the neighbouring States but also in the counties across the eastern border like Myanmar, Bhutan and Nepal who would realise the option of easier treatment with cost-effective medical care among others, stated a release.

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