NE tourism infrastructure adequate

Guwahati, Apr 23 : The myth that the North East region of India has not been able to attract foreign tourists to the desired extent despite having abundance of potential because of lack of proper infrastructure has been exploded when the Ambassador of Czech Republic to India Dr Hynek Kmonicek made it clear that the facilities available here should be adequate to attract foreign tourists. During a recent visit to the region, Dr Kmonicek told The Assam Tribune that the North East has abundance of potential to attract adventure tourists, particularly between the age group of 20 to 35 years and suggested that proper marketing is necessary to attract tourists. He pointed out that the Czech Republic with a population of only 10 million people could attract around six million tourists a year because of aggressive marketing.

The Czech Republic Ambassador said that on an average, around 20,000 tourists from his country visit India every year, but at the same time, he admitted that very few of them visit the North East. He expressed the view that the tour operators of the North East should get in touch with the Association of Czech Travel Agencies to attract tourists from that country to this region. Replying to a question on whether the Czech Embassy in India would be able to help the North East in bringing in tourists from that country, Dr Kmonicek replied “ it is the duty of Indian Embassies in other countries to market the tourism potential in India. Of course, we can only extend our help whenever necessary.”

The Czech Ambassador, who visited the North East twice within the last one year, expressed the view that the region has abundance of potential to attract tourists from European countries. He said that the young tourists, particularly those from the Czech Republic are “adventurous travellers” and they do not look for five star hotels. The Czech youths like to travel outdoors and they like wildlife, hills, rafting etc, which the North East has in abundance. He said that the cultural

heritage of the ethnic groups of the North East can also attract tourists from abroad, but the information about those should be marketed properly.

When pointed out that lack of Five Star hotels and other facilities is said to be one of the major hurdles in the way of attracting foreign tourists to the North East, the Czech Ambassador expressed the view that the infrastructure available should be adequate to cater to the requirements of majority of the tourists. He pointed out that only a small section of foreign tourists coming to India could be termed as “luxury tourists” and majority of the tourists do not look for Five Star comforts and they want to see places by spending reasonable amounts.

AT

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