The atmosphere around us is all but political and expectedly the news doing the rounds and stealing most of  the attention are those of filing nominations by the candidates and their reaching out to the voters. Cash, arms and liquor seizure news, the after-effects of ECI’s clean-up impetus are also flowing  profusely, all avidly read. If viewed sensibly, these are all examples  of struggle- struggle for reaching political aspirations and also struggle for ensuring a stain-free election.

Amid this hyper-political  setting,  the news about  21 members of women  SHGs  from  the state’s  Seppa, Kalaktang, Chongkham, Aalo West, Jengging, Namsai, Pangin districts  undergoing rural homestay training in Guwahati has presumably missed the attention of many. This is also no less a struggle - a struggle to get out of poverty by learning the tricks of trade and thereby helping the state to reach its optimum potential as an ultimate tourist destination.  

 

The concept of homestay is a relatively new one in tourism industry. But its popularity has sky-rocketed all over the world and in India too it has found a huge acceptance. Many reasons have been attributed for its flourish, which is also considered a cornerstone of rural tourism. And the most  important  one and  particularly encouraging  for Arunachal Pradesh  is that, there has been a paradigm shift in the mindset of the tourists  who are now  switching to more ethnic experiences by spending time in rural landscape. What can be more appropriate  for a state  that is blessed with rich and varied flora & fauna, colourful village life, pristine beauty, unique cultures and cuisines. Being  economical and  having an  almost-home like experience  are the factors too hard to ignore.

Again, there are figures ready to explain why this concept is here to stay. India’s travel market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 11 to 11.5 percent and will be worth $48 billion by 2020 and there will be a massive shortage of nearly 2 lakh hotel rooms in the country. It needs little explaining  that  this is impossible for the organized hospitality establishments to make good this shortfall. Moreover, hotel rooms are costly and  when there is now an alternative through homestays, it is obvious that  the  less well-heeled, who undoubtedly form the major portion of the tourists  will welcome it. Furthermore, in no way a hotel can replicate the personal touch  which forms the basis of the hospitality ethos of  homestay.

Arunachal’s game plan should be to capture the biggest slice of this evolving industry. Nature’s beauty and hospitality, the two

vital capital ingredients for success are already there. It’s time to learn the  intricacies of the trade  fast and apply them judiciously. 

 

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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