The Indian government is going all out to promote northeast as a tourist destination. The region had long remained unexplored despite its high potential. Work has started on construction of nearly 40 viewpoints along highways in the Northeast to promote to tourism in the region, according to Union minister G Kishan Reddy said recently.
Last November, the Union tourism and culture minister announced in Aizawl that 100 viewpoints will be constructed along highways in Northeast region, starting with nine in Mizor am.
He had made the announcement in the Mizoram capital ahead of India assuming the year long presidency of the G20 on December 1, reported EastMojo.
Several G20 meetings are planned to be held across the Northeast region and Aizawl will host one of these.
India is showcasing its power in the world and has “risen” on various indices in the tourism sector, said Reddy, who also holds the portfolio of development of the North East Region (DoNER).
On the tourism specific projects in the Northeast region, he sai d, of the 100 viewpoints which will be constructed along highways in the Northeast region, work has begun on nearly 40 viewpoints.
“We will work with the DoNER ministry and the NHAI for these viewpoints, which will have basic amenities for travellers beside to view for tourists,” Reddy said.
These providing a scenic place These viewpoints will be wayside amenities with toilet facility and a basic cafeteria, and also a selfie point for tourists.
Reddy had also said that his ministry will work together with other promote tourism related projects.
“The BRO (Border Roads Organisation) has built BRO cafes along 75 border area roads in 12 states. Also, the Union Cabinet has given approval to the Vibrant Villages Programme, we will also work to promote it,” he said.
The Tourism Ministry will also focus on tourism infrastructure and amenities under the Vibrant Villages Programme in border villages, the minister said.
The Union Cabinet recently approved the centrally sponsored scheme ‘Vibrant Villages Programm e’ (VVP) for the financial years 2022 23 to 2025 26 with an allocation of Rs 4,800
Overall, the Indian government is focussing a lot on reviving the tourism sector in the country after the pandemic.
To revive international tourism postpandemic and to ensure India is promoted as a holistic destination in the tourism generating markets to increase the country’s share in the global tourism market, the Government of India declared Incredible India! Visit India Year 2023 as its campaign tagline. It was o ver two decades back, in 2002, that the Incredible India initiative was officially branded to promote the country as a destination of choice for the discerning international traveller. Now, using the backdrop of India’s G20 Presidency, efforts are on to re suscitate the industry which went through a rough patch during the period of the pandemic. Incidentally, the man behind the campaign then, Amitabh Kant, is now the Sherpa of the summit which presents loads of opportunities for the travel and tourism indust ry to promote India as a global tourist destination, reported Business World Hotelier.
“The Ministry of Tourism (MoT) promotes India as a holistic destination in the tourism generating markets to promote various tourism products and destinations to increase its share of the global tourism market. The objectives are met through an integrated marketing and promotional strategy and a synergised campaign in association with travel trade, state governments and Indian Missions. The Government continuously engage s with industry experts and other relevant stakeholders and take their suggestions and feedback for promotion of varied tourism products of India,” shares Union Tourism Secretary Arvind Singh.
The Indian travel and tourism industry is, at present, undergoing a paradigm shift as the travellers demand curated and thoughtful experiences. “The millennials today make up the fastest growing segment in terms of spending money on trips and exploring new destinations. They are early adopters not only of tech nology but also experiences, exploring top range options the highest of all generations. This drives the growth of the travel industry and a major chunk of it will be driven by the Indian millennials. As a result, post pandemic pent demand in this largest traveller segment drove the recovery in the travel market in 2022,” stated Singh.
