The 2-Days Symposium on Community Based Tourism in NE Concludes with Participation from Across NE Region

 The 2-Days Symposium on Community Based Tourism in NE Concludes with

Participation from Across NE Region

The two-day Symposium on Community Based Tourism (CBT) in North-East India

concluded on a high note, with enthusiastic participation from experts, tourism

industry leaders, students, and stakeholders from across the region. The event,

aimed at exploring the potential of community-driven tourism and its role in

sustainable development, brought together diverse perspectives and insights.

The symposium, which took place at IIM Shillong Umsawli campus, featured an

array of informative sessions and discussions, providing a platform for meaningful

dialogues and collaborations. Students from esteemed institutions such as Martin

Luther University, ICFAI, Royal Global University Guwahati, Shillong Law College,

Down Town University Guwahati and Bajoria Group of Institutions joined the event.

The inaugural session of the symposium was dedicated to delving into the theme of

Community-Based Tourism in North-East India. This was followed by an insightful

address by Shri Cyril V. D. Diengdoh, IAS, Director of Tourism Meghalaya, who

shared valuable insights on the government's role in nurturing tourism ecosystems.

He also highlighted Meghalaya's progressive Tourism Policy.

The second day of the symposium was marked by three enriching technical

sessions:

1. Exploring Opportunities under CBT: This session was graced by Shri. Ajit

Kr. Paul, Founding President of Tripura Tourism Development Forum, along

with prominent figures including Shri. R K Sharma, Founder of Seven Sister

Holidays, Dr. Sharad Kulshreshtha from NEHU, and Prof. Achinta Kr. Sarmah

from IIM Shillong. The discussions centered around empowering local

communities to enhance tourism experiences by offering authentic local and

ethnic interactions, aligning with the 'vocal for local' initiative. Mr. Sharma

emphasized the four pillars of CBT: Conservation, Culture, Commerce,

Community, and the vital addition of 'conversation' within the fragile

ecosystem of the region.

2. Community Concerns and Participation: This session, led by Shri. Carmo

Noronha, Secretary of Bethany Society, Shillong, Shri. Kenstonbel Manik

Syiemlieh, descendant of U Tirot Singh, and Prof. Rohit Dwivedi from IIM

Shillong, highlighted the significance of inclusivity, leadership within

communities, and the revival of indigenous practices. The discourse focused

on how community-driven tourism can contribute to inclusiveness, resilience,

and sustainability.

3. CBT Business Models in NER: The third session featured a dynamic panel

discussion with industry leaders including Shri. Bengia Mrinal from the Indian

Association of Tour Operators, Arunachal Pradesh, Smt. Elina Satpathy, Co-

founder of Seven Sister Holidays, Smt. Dasumarlin Majaw, Founder of

Smokey Falls Resort, Meghalaya, Shri. Tshring Wange, Founder and CEO of

Himalayan Holidays, Arunachal Pradesh, Smt. Nino Zhasa, Owner of Morung

Lodge, Kohima, Nagaland, and Prof. Sheetal from IIM Shillong. The panel

emphasized the need for a comprehensive framework to redefine CBT

structures in the North-East, with a strong focus on responsible and

sustainable tourism through community engagement.

The symposium culminated with a captivating closing ceremony, graced by the

presence of Shri Paul Lyngdoh, Hon'ble Minister of Tourism for the Government of

Meghalaya as Chief Guest. Also in attendance was Smt. R. Lalrodingi, Advisor

Tourism & Industry, NEC, as the Guest of Honor, Shri Atul Kulkarni Member BoG IIM

Shillong and Dr. S Ningombam Coordinator of Kalam Centre IIM Shillong. Hon’ble

Minister Lyngdoh shared his insights on Shillong's beauty and the potential of the

Tourism Policy, while highlighting the exemplary role of Cherrapunji as a model of

Community-Based Tourism. He emphasized the need for guided itineraries to

promote tourism across various regions of the North-East, encouraging visitors to

explore the rich diversity of Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and beyond.

The symposium stands as a significant milestone in fostering collaborative efforts

towards sustainable and community-driven tourism in North-East India. The

discussions and deliberations have set the stage for a more responsible and

inclusive approach to tourism, aligning with the region's cultural heritage and natural

beauty.