DIMAPUR, APR19 : A one-day consultation on ‘Talk for change making tourism sustainable, equitable and just’ for the state of Nagaland organised by Shillong-based, Impulse network NGO, was held at Bookmarc conference hall, Dimapur on Tuesday.
The consultation deliberated on importance of incorporating the code of conduct on ‘Safe and Honourable Tourism’ adopted by the Government of India on July 1, 2010 and focused on critical issues of impact of tourism – child and women trafficking.
Additional deputy commissioner, Dimapur, Sedevikho Khro speaking as the chief guest, underlined the need to formulate policies to check child and women trafficking in the local context and not just from tourism’s standpoint.
Although look east policy has created avenues for tourism in the north eastern region, Sedevikho opined that tourism in Nagaland was at nascent stage with stakeholders in Nagaland still working at the grass root level to check child and women trafficking.
Pointing out the stark reality that child and women trafficking are still flourishing even without tourism, Khro said Nagaland’s tourism policy has to be implemented in the local context. Education and awareness from the grass root level are one of the policies which Khro said should be formulated.
He also said placement agencies promising lucrative jobs to Naga youth which is one of the means of trafficking human should be checked.
Presentation on ‘media perspective on responsible tourism’ on behalf of the Editor Nagaland Post, Geoffrey Yaden was read out by Thorheths? Nyuwi. “Responsible tourism is a comprehensive approach to the travel and tourism industry ensuring that the potential negative impacts of tourism are minimized while contributing to the preservation local livelihoods and culture and conserving the environment on which they are dependent”, read the speech.
Deliberating on the issue of responsible tourism, Yaden felt it was imperative that there must be a concerted effort to translate the objective to the public so that it fulfills the purpose of conservation of the environment, provide sustainable livelihood to the local people and efficient use of resources such as cultural, land or otherwise.
The speech further went on to add that tourism cannot be loosely understood as merely economic and unless there was wide awareness about the need for responsible tourism, the industry itself can be choked.
To understand the meaning of ‘responsible tourism’, the Editor quoted the Cape Town declaration of 2002, which explains that “responsible tourism is to minimize negative environmental, social and cultural impacts; generate greater economic benefits for local people and enhance the well being of host communities, by improving working conditions and access to the industry; involve local people in decisions that affect their live and life chances; make positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage and to the maintenance of the world’s diversity; provide more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people; greater understanding of local cultural and environmental issues; provide access for physically challenged people and is culturally sensitive and engender respect between tourists and hosts.
According to a study, increasing tourism activities can help India build environmental and cultural awareness; provide positive experience for both visitors and hosts and give direct financial benefits for conservation, opined Yaden.
Having said much about tourism potential in Nagaland, however, Yaden articulated the thought has yet to translate into clear recognition of which area whether eco-tourism or agri tourism could find more prominence.
He said Sikkim was a good example where eco-tourism has grown into a thriving industry due to government intervention along with awareness spread through tourism-oriented NGOs.
He further advocated that Nagaland could base its appeal through agri tourism as there was ample evidence of horticulture and floriculture activities which people in general are familiar with.
“Though agri-tourism, which is also one facet of the attractions offered by Thailand, among many other, it will be special beneficiary of development of tourism and travel industry. In this regard, the state could co-relate with the agri-expo concept by establish agri-museums, agri related festival and fairs including farmers markets. Agri museums will have benefits for farm vacations, heritage trials, farm tours and farm activities”, he said.
Tourist trade, in Nagaland he felt was mostly confined to festivity during winter months with Hornbill Festival as the most popular which is sponsored by the government.
“The state’s much talked about deer park at Rangapahar, near Dimapur is still struggling for survival due to encroachment and blatant pouching”, he said.
In order to promote wildlife tourism, he said there was an urgent need to promote environmental tourism also where eco-clubs could be encouraged especially among schools and colleges with the media playing the role of spreading awareness for enlightenment of public, and added that eco-tourism or environmental tourism through local involvement can be promoted with a high degree of awareness on responsible tourism.
Team leader, Impulse NGO Network, Hasina Kharbhih highlighted the code of conduct for ‘safe and honourable tourism’ a national initiative adopted by the government of India.
The code of conduct lays guidelines for the tourism industry to enhance safety and security of all tourists and local people. Safe and honourable tourism aims to ensure that tourism activities are undertaken, integrating the need to protect the dignity, safety and the right to freedom of exploitation of all tourists and local residents involved or impacted by tourism.
This code of conduct is applicable to all owners, suppliers, contractors, employees of the travel and tour sector including hotels, restaurants, lodges, guest houses, tour agents, taxis, buses, tour guides and other services or agencies associated with tourism sector. However, the code of conduct is not a legally binding instrument but a set of guidelines for the tourism industry.
Pushpa, also from Impulse NGO network, highlighted the topic ‘On the initiative encouraging responsible tourism by engaging stakeholder’. She underlined the need for more stakeholders and to sensitize those engaged at providing services like taxi drivers, hotel staff, page boys etc., on the code of conduct.
By abiding with the code of conduct, the tourism department and travel agencies are not only enhancing tourism and marketing, but ensuring safe and responsible tourism, Pushpa said.
It may be mentioned that Sikkim, Nagaland, Assam and Meghalaya has implemented tourism policy. Nagaland implemented its tourism policy in the year 2001.
Speaking on behalf of the tourism department assistant director of tourism Akhale V. Khamo said tourism in Nagaland was still at infant stage. She lamented that though inflow of foreign tourist has increased over the years, there has not been enough space to accommodate tourists.
She further disclosed that last year during hornbill festival more than one thousand tourist arrived Nagaland.
After lifting of protected area permit for the state of Nagaland, she said tourism sector has improved to some extent with more tourists pouring in. However, with not much places to visit in Nagaland, Akhale said tourism department was trying to tie up with other states and expand its services. Executive director Bethesda youth welfare centre Chenithung Humtsoe spoke on presentation of Nagaland tourism policy- suggestions.
Earlier, at the programme welcome address was proposed by project director, community educational centre society Subonenba Longkumer.
The consultation held at Bookmarc conference hall was attended by stakeholders including travel agents, tour operators, tourism department, social welfare department, NGOs, police, administrations and business fraternity.
The consultation as conducted in collaboration with community educational centre society and Bethesda youth welfare centre with Nagaland Post as the media partner.
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