Tough times don’t last but tough people do’ or ‘when the going gets tough, the tough get going’ are strong statements with profound meaning. Interestingly so, I happen to meet people who are examples of this strength and conviction, doing their bit for tourism against all odds. From Namchi in Sikkim to Raipur in Chhattisgarh, a few common men/ women and bureaucrats are doing some humbling work, the only motivation being the passion to create a sustainable tourism offering. Tshering Bhutia’s work towards sustainable tourism through the Khanchenjunga Conservation Committee is bringing in the much needed results at the grassroots, while Santosh Misra, MD, Chhattisgarh Tourism Board’s work to organise the Sirpur Dance Festival in a place which was a deep dry pond is truly commendable. They go about doing their work without complaining, one step at a time, devoid of the desire for publicity. His colleague in MP Tourism, Ashwani Lohani who takes over the reigns once again, is also known to have created a product against odds.
Our cover story this issue speaks about a niche tourism product that was created in destinations without much infrastructure, but with a product that was strong enough to open opportunities for investments. This month also witnessed tourism gatherings, wherein the outbound tourism space was cluttered once again with events, each trying to capture the outbound Indian traveller. Further it is also convention and conference time, with one to be held in the centre of India and the other in the land of creation. Israel-Land of Creation (its tourism tagline) is all set to welcome TAFI delegates to a place which is misunderstood by many as war stricken and dangerous, when actually it is sensitive and warm as the headline in our story says. The other event titled the Global Panorama Showcase to be held in Nagpur, is once again a story of determination. The Anand brothers are determined to bring India’s Tier II cities into prominence. Further, TAAI too is going to a destination that has faced adversities both manmade and natural, and has emerged strong. From the Bali bombings to the tsunami, Indonesia’s story is of survival as well.
Finally it’s budget time and the wishlist is too long, from service tax exemption to industry status. Let’s see what Budget 2015-2016 has in store for the tourism sector.
Reema Lokesh
Editor