Shillong, Aug 12: 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, hosted at IIM Shillong, Umsawli campus, featured an array of informative sessions and discussions, providing a platform for meaningful dialogues and collaborations. Students from 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 Cyril V. D. Diengdoh, Director of Tourism, Government of 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 Ajit Kr. Paul, Founding President of Tripura Tourism Development Forum, along with prominent figures including R K Sharma, Founder of Seven Sister Holidays, Dr. Sharad Kulshreshtha from NEHU, and Prof. Achinta Kr. Sarmah from IIM Shillong. The discussions centred 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.

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

3. CBT Business Models in NER: The third session featured 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, Minister of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya, as the Chief Guest. Also in attendance was 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.

Lyngdoh shared his insights on Shillong’s beauty and the potential of the Tourism Policy, while highlighting the exemplary role of Cherrapunji (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.

Also read: Tripura: Opposition parties unite to prevent split of anti-BJP vote

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