Can Tourism Transform Job Opportunities in NE?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Tourism has significant job creation potential in Northeast India.
- Investment in cultural and religious tourism is crucial.
- Improving infrastructure will enhance tourist experiences.
- Collaboration among states is essential for success.
- Safety and hospitality are top priorities for attracting tourists.
Agartala, Oct 27 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Tripura, Manik Saha, highlighted the immense potential of tourism in creating jobs and generating revenue within the Northeastern region, which comprises eight states.
While participating in a virtual meeting of the High-Level Task Force on Tourism, which he convened, the Chief Minister stressed the necessity of fostering cultural and religious tourism throughout the Northeastern states. He called for improvements in communication infrastructure, increased investments in the tourism sector, and a commitment to ensuring tourist safety and exceptional hospitality.
An official from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) indicated that the meeting explored various strategies aimed at promoting tourism in the Northeastern states. The meeting was led by the Minister of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DONER), Jyotiraditya M. Scindia. Other notable attendees included Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Chief Minister of Meghalaya Conrad K Sangma, and Chief Ministers from various other Northeastern states.
During the meeting, Meghalaya Chief Minister Sangma presented a comprehensive draft report outlining the development of tourism in the Northeastern states.
During discussions, Chief Minister Saha noted that there has been substantial advancement in Tripura’s tourism sector. He showcased several initiatives and accomplishments within the tourism industry, emphasizing that the draft report provided in-depth insights into potential opportunities and planning for tourism development in the Northeastern region.
DoNER Minister Scindia remarked that a prior draft report concerning trade development in the Northeastern states was presented under the leadership of the Tripura Chief Minister. He pointed out that while promoting tourism, states should formulate plans not just for their individual regions but also consider a broader national and global context.
Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat asserted that tourism is crucial for fortifying both the global and national economy.
He emphasized that enhancing tourism is vital for elevating a state’s visibility on the international stage and for creating valuable employment opportunities. Shekhawat urged the Chief Ministers of all Northeastern states to actively promote the tourist attractions within their jurisdictions. Numerous senior officials from various Northeastern states participated in the virtual meeting.
The DoNER ministry established several High-Level Task Forces aimed at identifying key interventions and crafting actionable strategies—short-term, medium-term, and long-term—for the integrated development of the North East Economic Corridor.
These High-Level Task Forces were formed following the 72nd plenary session of the North-Eastern Council (NEC), which took place in November of the previous year in Agartala, presided over by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.