In any
forum where development of NE is discussed, it would be invariably expressed by
all the participants that Tourism industry has the biggest potential of all and
in the same breath the participants will agree that there are lack of
infrastructure and marketing effort for promoting tourism. The basic
infrastructure necessary for promoting tourism is good connectivity (by
road, rail and air), communication network (land line, mobile
network, internet, and broad band) and accommodation. Communication network
to a large extent is bearable. The road, rail and air connectivity needs a lot
of improvement for which both the state and central governments are taking
action. This leaves the third and the crucial part – accommodation... Out
of these three basic needs, accommodation is in the most deplorable condition.
There are very few decent hotels even in the capital cities of the seven states
of NE. With the advent of a few 5 stars in the region, the situation has
improved a little but these are not enough. They are still out of reach of the
common tourists.
As far as the accommodation and hospitality aspects are
concerned, it is for the local people to play a big role. They have to come up
with the right kind of solutions. We can take Goa and Kerela as the
model and guide. It is not always five-star hotels that only can attract
tourists. Take the example of Goa where the locals are operating a
large number of beach-front guest houses and eating joints. Tourists enjoying
these facilities far outnumber those enjoying the five-star facilities. Both have
their individual importance and utilities. The local people of the Northeast
must come up with similar innovative ideas to suit our condition and to capture
the imagination of tourists. Here the government can definitely extend
substantial help in the form of information on tourists’ preference of
facilities & expectations / food habits etc, design & developments of
small lodges/ resorts/ guest houses, guidance on banking & financial
aspects, and in making water / power / communication facilities available.
