Swiss watch

North East India’s Tourism Blueprint

We have all heard of and some have also visited the beautiful country Switzerland located within the majestic Alps in Central Europe. For those of you who have been fortunate enough to visit, I am sure you have probably experienced the most well organized tourist entertainment structure from the time of departure from India till the flight back. Basically I mean that besides the obvious attractions of the country, as a tourist you must have certainly experienced a very hassle free and enjoyable stay. There is no doubt in the fact that the tourism industry in Switzerland is a role model for other tourism industries the world over. Interestingly though, the extent of similarity between Switzerland and the 8 Northeastern Indian states is astounding if we look a little attentively. There are certain definite areas of resemblance. Both these regions are geographically identical. Both have a sound educational system and sports promotion schemes based on the respective policies, both have a very rich cultural heritage and valuable forest cover. Considering this, the obvious question that comes to mind is the vast difference in terms of actual development. Certainly there are reasons for which Switzerland is far ahead in terms of progress and monetary power compared to the Northeastern Indian states. The climatic conditions vary as Switzerland is located within snowy mountains and exhibits a temperate environment while in the North East the proximity to the oceans exhibits a tropical climate. Due to a difference in area, the population of the North East is higher than that of Switzerland. While Switzerland is primarily a Christian dominated country, the North Eastern region has close to 5 religions. Most prominently Switzerland is an independent nation while the North East comprises of 8 states forming an integral part of the union of India.

Keeping the above factors in mind we can visualize a scenario whereby if the principal and economic drivers are compared and a link generated then we can quite pragmatically foresee a distinctly bright prospect for the tourism industry of North East India.

In Switzerland, the tourism industry is by far the main economy generator and the highly developed tourism sector has ensured that the infrastructure requirements are up to date, return investment from the successful tourism sector has been systematically utilized to build up various other sectors. Education is a sector which has attracted investment and resulted in a large foreign student presence where the arts and culture form an exclusivity their own. In North East India agriculture has a distinctive quality of its own. Natural resource availability of oil and natural gas is a major source of revenue, tourism industry is in a basic functional stage with limited utilization of the large area. However, the natural splendor of the region has an individuality of its own with wild life sanctuaries, mountains, waterfalls, flora and fauna, rivers, lakes. Regional handicrafts industry has been a growing industry in recent times and last but not the least arts and culture are also points of interest.

Now considering this we notice that the key element for Switzerland’s growth has been its tourism and its auxiliary trades, agriculture, arts and culture, modern industry. The educational services offered are amongst the best in the world. This forms a blueprint for North East India where the tourism sector has high potential though a degree of modernization in airports and railway stations, hotel facilities, rental services is required. Tourist interest areas are under - developed, the road condition is below acceptable standard and communication links are poor. The presence of the tea and oil industry since pre-independence days offers an additional form of adventure and creative tourism. Arts and Culture of the region have an exceptional touch of originality which is world renowned. Educational and sports exchange schemes with foreign countries are in place and the present government has realized the potential and work towards effective development is apparent.

The comradarie between India and Switzerland formally started with the Treaty of Friendship and Establishment of 1948 and was strengthened in various fields such as development, economy, and culture. The exchanges between the two countries have since then increased. More recently certain recent developments have signaled a positive move from Swiss authorities. During April 2010, Swissotel Hotels and Resorts, a subsidiary of Zurich based Fairmount Raffles Hotel International had expressed interest in building a hotel chain across major cities in India as they consider India as a growth market. Our two countries have indeed a lot to offer each other. In fact, both sides are already adopting focused approaches and initiatives in sectors such as biotechnology, textile machinery and railways. The Swiss - Indian Chamber of Commerce (SICC) is a key factor in promoting Swiss - Indian bilateral trade and investment. SICC is a bi-national, non - profit association with over 320 Swiss and Indian members. The Chamber provides members in Switzerland and India access to first - hand information and expertise thanks to the reservoir of knowhow offered by its board and extensive partner network in both countries. In the cultural arena, the liaison office in New Delhi is the Swiss Arts Council’s first office in Asia. Its aim is to coordinate Pro Helvetia activities in the South Asia region starting with India. It supports artistic and cultural collaboration between India and Switzerland and also promotes Swiss ideas and arts practices among Indian audiences. Contemporary music, theatre, design, dance, literature, photography and new media are the areas of focus.

Other Institutions like the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) in New Delhi are playing a bigger role in the partnership process. In 2006, the SDC started shifting the emphasis of its development cooperation programme with India towards a new type of collaboration known as a Partnership Program. This new program, which is much more modest in financial terms than the current program has different procedures and thematic priorities and will become operational in 2010. The above trend highlights the fact that with focused attention both the countries can achieve excellence in tourism related growth.

A joint exercise with the Swiss tourism ministry would be highly beneficial for the North East considering the similarities in terrain. A sincere belief is required to endorse this cause, systems are in place and adequate financial resources are available but a genuine endeavor is lacking. Senior people from the tourism trade and enthusiastic professionals along with the concerned ministries would pave the way for a North East flourishing to its full potential.