Sohra exemplified as model of Community-Based Tourism
The two-day Symposium on Community Based Tourism (CBT) in North-East India concluded at IIM Shillong Umsawli campus on Friday.
The event saw 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.
Students from 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 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 featured three enriching technical sessions. The session “Exploring Opportunities under CBT” was graced by Ajit Kr. Paul, Founding President of Tripura Tourism Development Forum, along with prominent figures including RK 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. Sharma emphasized the four pillars of CBT: Conservation, Culture, Commerce, Community, and the vital addition of ‘conversation’ within the fragile ecosystem of the region.
In the “Community Concerns and Participation” session Carmo Noronha, Secretary of Bethany Society, Shillong, 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.
The third session, “CBT Business Models in NER” consisted of a dynamic panel discussion with industry leaders including Bengia Mrinal from the Indian Association of Tour Operators, Arunachal Pradesh, Elina Satpathy, Co-founder of Seven Sister Holidays, Dasumarlin Majaw, Founder of Smokey Falls Resort, Meghalaya, Tshring Wange, Founder and CEO of Himalayan Holidays, Arunachal Pradesh, 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 Paul Lyngdoh, Meghalaya Tourism Minister as Chief Guest. Also present R Lalrodingi, Advisor Tourism & Industry, NEC, as the Guest of Honor, Atul Kulkarni Member BoG IIM Shillong and Dr. S Ningombam Coordinator of Kalam Centre IIM Shillong.
Paul Lyngdoh shared his insights on Shillong’s beauty and the potential of the Tourism Policy, while highlighting the exemplary role of Cherrapunjee (Sohra) 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.
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