PHDCCI Launches Webinar Series to Promote Border Tourism

by  EVENTFAQS Bureau Business Events | August 3, 2021 | News

PHDCCI East Khasi Hills

PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) has launched a ‘Border Tourism’ webinar series with a view to explore the tourism potential in the border districts of India and to create awareness about the lesser-known destinations across the country.

The first webinar was held on 30 July 2021 focused on East Khasi Hills district for the promotion of Border Tourism in Meghalaya.

The webinar was moderated by Dr Jatinder Singh, Director, PHDCCI. It drew participation from senior government officials, tour operators, hoteliers, tour guides, airline professionals, travel associations, and students from the travel and hospitality institutes.

Vinod Zutshi (retd. IAS), Former Secretary – Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, said “Border Tourism has immense potential if promoted and marketed well as it gives an opportunity to see the neighbouring countries without actually crossing the border. Campaigns like ‘Dekho Apna Aur Padosi Desh’ can be introduced to promote semi-international travel. A national level seminar should be organised by the Ministry of Tourism with all the 18 border states and UTs to create awareness and buzz about this segment, which will help to increase domestic as well as international tourists.”

Zutshi added, “Ease of access to zero line; ensuring last mile connectivity; creating economic activities around border towns will be the key drivers for promoting Border Tourism in Meghalaya. There is a huge potential for promoting Monsoon Tourism in the state as Cherrapunji is known for being the wettest place on Earth. Emphasis should also be given on Festivals and the state government should create a mega Tourism Festival on the lines of Hornbill Festival in Nagaland.”

Cyril VD Diengdoh (IAS), Director – Tourism, Government of Meghalaya, said, “The state has seen a steady growth of tourist arrivals from Bangladesh over the years with 4,300 arrivals in 2014, which went up to 13,000 in 2018. An MoU has been signed between the Tour Operators Association of Meghalaya and Bangladesh Tour Operators Association to promote Mountain to Sea Tourism.”

He further mentioned that the tourism department is keen to develop ‘Experiential Eco Tourism’ apart from Adventure Tourism, Rural Tourism and Homestays. In order to enhance the experience of tourists, the state government is following the three fundamentals – right pricing, carrying capacity and zero waste. He also informed that Meghalaya Tourism has come up with a mobile app that provides a one-stop solution to tourists who wish to plan a trip and helps in contactless check-in following the safety protocols.

Varianarica Syiem (IAS), Director – Border Areas Development Department, Government of Meghalaya, informed that there are 13 border blocks in the state and 435 recognised border villages. In order to ensure ease of movement for tourists, several projects have been funded under the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) for construction of roads, parking and wayside amenities, according to Syiem.

PHDCCI’s webinar was supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India; Meghalaya Tourism; DLF India; Multani Pharmaceuticals; UFLEX; JK Tyre & Industries; Marble City; Paramount Cables; SMC Investments and Advisors; Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic; Comtech Interio; DCM Shriram Industries; Radico Khaitan; RE Rogers India; Ajit Industries; Synergy Environics; Timberworkz; Jindal Stainless; PS Bedi & Co; IFFCO and Hindware.

The next webinar in the series will focus on the Kutch district of Gujarat. It is scheduled for 6 August 2021 from 3 to 5 pm