Sustainable Tourism in Maharashtra and Mizoram.pptx

Sustainability

1. PROF. VIRENDRA RAMCHANDRA NAGARALE Professor in Geography Department of Geography, S.N.D.T. Women’s University, Pune Campus, Pune-38 Sustainable Tourism Development: Comparative STUDY between Maharashtra and mizoram

2. What is Development? A multitude of meanings is attached to the idea of development; the term is complex, contested, ambiguous, and elusive. However, in the simplest terms, development can be defined as bringing about social change that allows people to achieve their human potential.  Sustainable Development? Development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’. Sustainable Tourism? Sustainable tourism is a way of travelling and exploring a destination while respecting its environment, culture and people. Sustainable Tourism Development? Sustainable tourism development is the process that minimizes the costs and maximizes the benefits of tourism for natural environments and local communities, and can be carried out indefinitely without harming the resources on which it depends. Introduction

3. Sustainable Development Principles Four basic principles are crucial to the concept of sustainability: 1. The idea of holistic planning, cross- sectoral planning and strategy making. 3. The importance of preserving essential ecological processes. 2. The need to protect both human heritage and biodiversity. 4. The requirement that development should be carried out so that productivity does not deplete resources for the long term and future generations.

4. Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)   17 Goals to Transform Our World In September 2015, the General Assembly adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development that includes 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Building on the principle of “leaving no one behind”, the new Agenda emphasizes a holistic approach to achieving sustainable development for all . The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) over the past 15 years, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) have provided the global community a set of goals, targets and tools to monitor progress towards health and development in countries. The new Sustainable Development Agenda seeks to ensure that the momentum generated by the millennium development goals is carried forward beyond 2015 to achieve not just substantial reductions in poverty, hunger and other deprivations but finally end them to provide a life of dignity to all. Sustainable Development Agenda consists of 17 Goals and 169 targets to be achieved by 2030. SDG Goal 3 ensures healthy lives and promotes well-being for all ages. For sustainable urban health, Goal 3 should correlate with other SDG Goals.

5. Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Preamble This Agenda is a plan of action for people, planet and prosperity. It also seeks to strengthen universal peace in larger freedom. We recognise that eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, including extreme poverty, is the greatest global challenge and an indispensable requirement for sustainable development. All countries and all stakeholders, acting in collaborative partnership, will implement this plan. We are resolved to free the human race from the tyranny of poverty and want and to heal and secure our planet. We are determined to take the bold and transformative steps which are urgently needed to shift the world onto a sustainable and resilient path. As we embark on this collective journey, we pledge that no one will be left behind. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals and 169 targets which we are announcing today demonstrate the scale and ambition of this new universal Agenda. They seek to build on the Millennium Development Goals and complete what these did not achieve. They seek to realize the human rights of all and to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. They are integrated and indivisible and balance the three dimensions of sustainable development: the economic, social and environmental . The Goals and targets will stimulate action over the next fifteen years in areas of critical importance for humanity and the planet.

6. PLAN OF ACTION People Partnership Planet Peace Prosperity To Achieve Sustainable Development

7. People We are determined to end poverty and hunger, in all their forms and dimensions, and to ensure that all human beings can fulfil their potential in dignity and equality and in a healthy environment. Planet We are determined to protect the planet from degradation, including through sustainable consumption and production, sustainably managing its natural resources and taking urgent action on climate change, so that it can support the needs of the present and future generations. Prosperity We are determined to ensure that all human beings can enjoy prosperous and fulfilling lives and that economic, social and technological progress occurs in harmony with nature. Peace We are determined to foster peaceful, just and inclusive societies which are free from fear and violence. There can be no sustainable development without peace and no peace without sustainable development. Partnership We are determined to mobilize the means required to implement this Agenda through a revitalised Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, based on a spirit of strengthened global solidarity, focussed in particular on the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable and with the participation of all countries, all stakeholders and all people. The interlinkages and integrated nature of the Sustainable Development Goals are of crucial importance in ensuring that the purpose of the new Agenda is realised. If we realize our ambitions across the full extent of the Agenda, the lives of all will be profoundly improved and our world will be transformed for the better.

8. Tourism Tourism denotes the temporary and short-term movement of people to destination outside the place where they normally live and work and these activities at these destinations. The central role of the tourism is for the development of many localities to level of the world geography and very particularly of the countries less developed with a various wealth of flora, fauna, landscapes and cultural elements . World Tourism Organization(WTO) Definition: Sustainable tourism is tourism that meets the needs of present tourists and host regions while protecting and enhancing opportunities for the future. WTO agreed that; Sustainable tourism development guidelines and management practices are applicable to all forms of tourism in all types of destinations. Sustainability principles refer to the environmental, economic and socio-cultural aspects of tourism development, and a suitable balance must be established between these three dimensions.

9. Sustainable Tourism Sustainable tourism has to meet social, cultural, ecological and economic requirements. Sustainable tourism holds a long-term view, for present and future generations, ethically and Socially just and culturally adapted, ecologically viable and economically sensible and productive. Sustainable tourism should also maintain a high level of tourist satisfaction and ensure a meaningful experience to the tourists, raising their awareness about sustainability issues and promoting sustainable tourism practices amongst them. The objective of Sustainable Tourism is to implement all areas of Sustainable Development (ecology, economy, social issues, and cultural issues) in tourism. Sustainable tourism can fulfil economic, social, and aesthetic needs while maintaining cultural integrity and ecological processes. It can provide for today’s hosts and guests while protecting and enhancing the same opportunity for the future. Sustainable tourism involves making hard political choices based on complex social, economic, and environmental trade-offs.

10. Sustainable Tourism Criteria Rural Tourism Eco-Tourism Cultural Tourism Mass Tourism Adventure Tourism Epicurean Tourism The Sustainable Tourism attends to the needs of the present tourists and of the receptive regions and the same time protects and promotes the opportunities for the future. It is conceived like a way toward the management of all the resources so that can be satisfied the social, economic and aesthetics needs, respecting, the same time the cultural integrity, the essential ecological processes, the biological diversity and the systems that maintain the life.

11. Principles of Sustainable Tourism Utilize resources in a sustainable way Reduce overconsumption and pollution Maintain biodiversity Integrate tourism in local and national planning Benefit local economies Cooperate with local populations Consult with all interest groups and stakeholders Educate staff Market tourism in a responsible way Execute and make follow up on surveys

12. Increased Awareness on Sustainability Concerns Rio Earth Summit, 1992 Agenda 21 for the Travel and Tourism Sector, 1995 UN CSD-7, 1999 World Summit on Sustainable Development, 2002 International Year of Ecotourism , 2002

13. The Concept of Carrying Capacity Carrying capacity has been defined as “ The maximum number of people who can use a site without an unacceptable alteration in the physical environment and without an unacceptable decline in the quality of experiences gained by visitors ” . ( Mathieson and Wall 1982) …” and without an unacceptable adverse impact on the society, economy and culture of the tourism area ” ( Innskeep 1991). We have to be aware that this concept is not always an exact science and that visitor number limits established should only be used as guidelines. There are several types of carrying capacity . Physical Carrying Capacity When no more people can physically fit into a space its physical carrying capacity is reached. Theatres, cinemas, or sports stadia are examples. To increase physical capacity a new venue may be need to be built. You can also think about capacity on an aircraft. If all seats are occupied the plane has reached its physical carrying capacity.

14. In nature capacity can also be reached. The pyramid-shaped mountain towards the left hand side of this picture is Mount Everest, at 8850 meters the highest point on earth. During the peak climbing season many mountaineers try to reach the top. Because there is only very little flat space on the summit, climbers have to wait until those who are already standing on top of the world have moved down the mountain before they themselves can set foot on the summit.

15. Socio / Cultural Carrying Capacity This refers to the acceptance of tourists by the local population. The level of acceptance depends on previous experience and benefits that tourism brings. People who benefit from tourism such as those who own shops that cater to tourists or those who are employed in the industry tend to hold more favorable attitudes towards tourism than those that are not involved with it at all. One way to minimize the negative impacts that tourism may have is by educating visitors and tourists about what they can expect of each other.

16. Psychological Carrying Capacity Crowding is one of the problems that can be brought on by the presence of too many tourists in a place. Some people and nationalities are more tolerant of crowds than others. In Hong Kong people are so used to huge crowds of people that they don ’ t worry much if tourists add to the congestion. In other countries such as Australia that have low population densities even the presence of a few additional people can be perceived as intruding on the life-style of the locals.

17. The role of GIS in Sustainable Tourism Development GIS technology offers great opportunities for the sustainable tourism development. This technology integrates common database operations such as query with the unique visualization and geographic analysis benefits offered by maps. A digital map base for printed maps ƒ Digital files for Internet mapping ƒ Digital files for mobile mapping ƒ Attractions mapsƒ Website with interactive mapping Focused group mapping (e.g. Trekking, Climbing, Picnic spots etc.)

18. The role of GIS in Sustainable Tourism Development T.I.S. (Tourist Information System) Various tourist zones according to tourist category can be demarcate with the help of GIS With the help of such type of T.I.S. (Tourist Information System) one can conclude or identify accounts of the needs and potentials of rural areas and economically disadvantage. It brings socio-cultural benefits to the local community in terms of employment opportunities, income generators, and environmental awareness. Infrastructure like life support system, co-ordinate infrastructure approach , water, power, communication, sewage and drainage, street and highways, parks and recreations, health care facilities, education system, living requirements of employees, security, tourism infrastructure and local economy.

19. SITE SUITABILITY FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT WITH THE HELP OF GIS, A CASE STUDY OF PUNE DISTRICT, MAHARASHTRA The study area, Pune district, usually termed as the cultural capital of Maharashtra. It is situated at 559 m ASL and lies between 17º 54’ to 19º 24’ N Latitude and 73º 33’to 75º 10’E Longitude. The total geographical area of the district is 15643sq.km. The district headquarters or the district place is Pune. The district consists of 14 tahasils . The area of district is surrounded by Thane district in the north and northwest, Raigarh district in the west, Satara district in south, Solapur district in the south and southeast and Ahmadnagar district to the east.

20. STUDY AREA

21. Flowchart for Methodology SOI Toposheet 1:250000 & Government Published Map of Pune district Scale 1:250000 Scanning Digitization to generate thematic layer Georeferencing of Toposheet & map Point Layer – Tourist Places, Tahasil Headquarter, etc. Line Layer - Road, Railway, etc. Polygon Layer – Dams, Reservoirs, etc. Integration with field data, Photographs, GPS locations, Altitude & other Attribute data attachment (Annexure-A) Quarry, Overlay Analysis DEM Generation of thematic maps with all Layers Final Map Draft PowerPoint Presentation Report

22. Conclusion It is observed that in the present spatial distribution and patterns of tourist places in Pune district, physical factors (viz. Topography, Climate, etc.) plays an important role. Present study tries to provide an integrated plan for tourist places in the Pune district with some special case studies. Various tourist zones according to tourist category can be demarcate or generated with the help of GIS. With the help of such type of T.I.S. (Tourist Information System) one can conclude or identify accounts of the needs and potentials of rural areas and economically weak or poor. Also encouraged and facilitated youth geographers to travel and foster national integration.

23. A Case Study of Bhimashankar and Lonavala with the Help of Likert Scale It has been very difficult to survey entire Pune district as a tourist resources potential in it’s entirety for reasons of relief barriers. Therefore, it has been possible to pinpoint study at various focal points of tourist attractions for a closer look. On the basis of the above mentioned criteria Lonavala a hill station and Bhimashankar a natural sanctuary and religious centers were selected for the study. A Likert scale is a psychometric scale commonly used in questionnaires , and is the most widely used scale in survey research, such that the term is often used interchangeably with rating scale even though the two are not synonymous. When responding to a Likert questionnaire item, respondents specify their level of agreement to a statement. The scale is named after its inventor, psychologist Rensis Likert .

24. Study Area The Lonavala and Bhimashankar , tourist centers are situated in Pune district of Maharashtra (Fig. 1). Lonavala is situated in Maval tahasil and 60 km away from Pune. Lonavala is located at the intersection of 18° 43’ 40’’ N latitude and 73° 29’ 14’’ E longitude. The height of Lonavala is 596 m above ASL which covers 38 sq. km. area. The area can be ads characterized by rainy, winter and summer seasons which falls in June to October, November to February and March to May respectively. The thick evergreen forest cover is the unique feature of this area. Bhimashankar is situated in Ambegaon tahasil and 128 km away from Pune. Bhimashankar is located at the intersection of 19° 03’ 56’’ N latitude and 73° 30’ 48’’ E longitude. The height of Bhimashankar is 1004 m above ASL. The Bhimashankar forest is a major attraction. The giant squirrel ‘ Shekru ’ is found in the Bhimashankar Sanctuary. Only thousands of Pilgrims all over the India come to Bhimashankar every year. Bhimashankar offers more prospects with its combination of cool pleasant summer climate along with its enchanting natural settings. The Bhimashankar has a natural cover of thick vegetation. The Bhima River originates at the Bhimashankar . Close to the source of the river is an ancient temple complex that is visited by thousands of devout worshippers every Mahashivratri and Tripuri Purnima .

25. Important Tourist Centers in and around Bhimashnakar and Lonavala

26. Environmental impact of tourism on Bhimashankar No  Environmental impact   1 2 3 4 5 6 7 ∑ Mean S.D. 1 Overcrowding and congestion - 12 33 15 70 148 172 450 75 63.37 2 Noise and air pollution - - 28 23 67 132 200 450 90 67.42 3 Water pollution - - - 18 105 129 198 450 112.5 64.36 4 Sewage disposal - 45 39 17 92 178 79 450 75 52.40 5 Drinking water - 23 17 33 111 145 121 450 75 51.87 6 Strain on public utility services and recreational facilities - - 61 33 145 112 99 450 90 39.19 7 Strain on entertainment facility - 67 123 80 46 89 45 450 75 26.86 8 Road condition - - 53 10 103 145 139 450 90 51.70 9 Development of slums - 145 101 14 34 67 89 450 75 43.28 10 Freely moving cattle - 47 27 11 115 147 103 450 75 49.58 11 Acute problem of dirtiness at religious spot - - - 28 145 123 154 450 112.5 50.07 12 Modernization of infrastructure - 45 25 19 89 189 83 450 75 57.43 13 Increasing number of religious institution - - 45 23 60 145 177 450 90 60.01 14 Increasing number of hotels - 13 17 33 156 108 123 450 75 56.16 15 Need of separate parking facility - - - 22 115 154 159 450 112.5 54.96 Total 397 569 379 1453 2011 1941 6750

27. Environmental impact of tourism on Lonavala  No Environmental impact   1 2 3 4 5 6 7 ∑ Mean S.D. 1 Overcrowding and congestion 13 17 45 23 114 106 132 450 64.29 47.42 2 Noise and air pollution 12 13 14 17 132 145 117 450 64.29 58.56 3 Water pollution - 23 12 23 79 139 174 450 75 62.30 4 Sewage disposal - - 32 21 108 132 157 450 90 54.23 5 Drinking water 11 9 21 6 183 83 137 450 64.29 66.44 6 Strain on public utility services and recreational facilities 15 16 7 18 201 81 112 450 64.29 67.01 7 Strain on entertainment facility 32 - 12 15 65 119 207 450 75 69.38 8 Road condition - - 26 23 167 138 96 450 90 58.06 9 Development of slums 45 49 73 37 103 65 78 450 64.29 21.09 10 Freely moving cattle - 15 10 9 198 115 103 450 75 70.35 11 Acute problem of dirtiness at religious spot 2 17 20 32 162 143 74 450 64.29 59.71 12 Modernization of infrastructure 23 16 12 7 121 108 163 450 64.29 59.67 13 Increasing number of religious institution - 19 23 23 133 176 76 450 75 60.70 14 Increasing number of hotels 2 3 14 8 167 119 137 450 64.29 67.78 15 Need of separate parking facility - 12 43 21 151 76 147 450 75 56.08 Total 155 209 364 283 2084 1745 1910 6750

28. Conclusion It can be summarized that environmental impact depends upon the factors like, overcrowding and congestion, noise and air pollution, water pollution, sewage disposal, supply and quality of fresh water, strain on public utility services and recreational facilities, strain on entertainment facility, road condition, development of slums, freely moving cattle and problems of congestion, hotels, parking facility etc. Mostly in the rainy season so many tourists go to enjoy the picturesque of Lonavala . The higher the number of tourists larger the effect on host population of tourist centers. The attitude index means for environmental impact Bhimashankar is 14.29 and standard deviation 11.25 and for Lonavala is 14.29 and 12.28. The second degree bivariate regression equation gives idea about tourist response and average score of Bhimashankar and Lonavala . There is a correlation between tourist response and average score of Bhimashankar and Lonavala . So, it can be said that in Bhimashankar and Lonavala there is a positive effect of tourism. Besides this, such study is useful to planners, administrators, layman and those who are interested in research in the field of economic and social planning, strategic study and social and economic development may get the benefit.

29. Land of The Blue Mountains Land of the Hill People Land of the Highlanders Mizoram Mizoram is beautiful area of rolling forested hills and lush green lowlands has its head amongst the snow capped peaks of eastern Himalayas, with its feet touching the waters of the Bay of Bengal. The average height of the hills to the west of the state are about 1,000 metres (3,300 ft). As many as 21 major hill ranges or peaks of different heights run through the length and breadth of the state, with plains scattered here and there. Mizoram has a mild climate, relatively cool in summer 20 to 29 °C (68 to 84 °F) and winter temperatures range from 7 to 22 °C (45 to 72 °F).

30. Tourist Attraction Sites in Mizoram Aizawl , is a religious and cultural centre of Mizoram. Champhai is a resort on the Myanmar border. Tamdil a natural lake with virgin forest is 60 km from Aizawl and 10 km from tourist resort of Saitual . Vantawng fal ls (137 km), five km from hill station Thezawl , are the highest and most beautiful waterfalls in Mizoram. The Museum and Mini Zoological Garden at Aizaw l , Bung (picnic spot), and Paikhai ) and Champai (204 km) are some other picnic sites of the state. Apart from the natural potentials of tourism the State of Mizoram has unique identity for its culture and tradition that is also one of the major attraction for tourist.

31. Cheraw a popular dance of the state Costumes and Traditions

32. Tourism Industry in Mizoram With its highly green hills, crisscrossing rivers, and interspersed lakes, Mizoram is a tourist’s paradise. The number of domestic tourists arrival has been increasing consistently. The number of domestic tourists arrival increased from 56,651 in 2009 to 57,292 in 2010. Creation of tourist complexes, adventure sports and resort facilities, amusement parks, health farms, hotels, convention centres , tourist travel services, etc., offer various avenues for investment in the tourism sector of Mizoram. There are 39 tourist lodges in the state. Number of Domestic T ourists A rrival (In ‘000) Source: Ministry of Tourism, Government of India

33. Problems and Prospects of Tourism in Mizoram Mizoram’s tourism industry has been showing no signs of significant progress for many years due to absence of proper infrastructure and facilities for the tourists. However, Mizoram has been recognized for offering plethora of tourism activities despite its limited resources from conventional tourism to adventure tourism apart from its breathtaking natural beauty all the year-round with high quality tourism products enhancing variety of resources in tourism development. These tourism products could be developed with effective use of historical and cultural sites, nature attractions, spa as well as cultural events like festivals and traditional showcases. The approach to development of Tourism in Mizoram would be an integrated, inclusive and sustainable manner through systematic planning, external financing, mobilization of State resources, and modernization of facilities, community ownership and community participation. Potential areas for the future development of tourism products in Mizoram include the following:

34. Adventure and Adventure Sports Tourism: Mizoram offers immense potential for adventure related activities including adventure sports like rock climbing, paragliding, zip lining, mountain cycling, mountain biking, aerosport , paragliding, etc. Some of the popular adventure activities being promoted in the state are hard and soft treks, rock climbing, and indigenous sports. Wildlife and Eco-Tourism: With a large area of the state covered under sub tropical forest region, Mizoram has diverse wildlife ideal for eco tourism purposes. Basic tourism facilities are to be developed around the national and wildlife sanctuary through development of eco-tourism. The Mizoram Eco Tourism Policy which was notified by the Environment, Forest & Climate Change Department on 9th June 2017 focuses on recreation and promote understanding about heritage sites and its values, nature and wildlife conservation with income generation and employment opportunity to local people while according priority to bio-diversity conservation, ecosystem functioning and socio-economic development. Cultural Tourism: The rich cultural heritage of Mizoram depicting different culture and tribes are added attraction for promotion of cultural and heritage tourism as Mizoram resonates with fairs and festivals which are celebrated throughout the year. The major festivals are Chapchar Kut , Anthurium Festival, Thalfavang Kut , Lyuva Khutla of Mara tribe, Hlukhla Kut of Lai tribe, Biju Festival of Chakma tribe and Christmas Festival. These festivals also provide a glimpse of Mizoram’s collection of handloom and handicraft, art and craft and other local decorative items. Tourism Potentials in Mizoram

35. Nature-based Tourism: As Mizoram offers plethora of stunning landscape and pristine mountains covered with lush green forest with abundance of flora and fauna, nature-based tourism is a new concept for the sustainable tourism as it provides environmental sustainability and resilience. Nature-based tourism in Mizoram can be taken up through tea or coffee tourism, horticulture tourism, bird watching, angling and nature watch. These activities can also be performed through tented accommodation and jungle safari. Music Tourism: The people of Mizoram are passionate about music and art. Musical talent needs to be nurtured and recognised in order to promote tourism in the music line through music festivals in the State. Meetings, Incentives, Conventions & Exhibition Tourism (MICE) : Though a new concept for the Mizoram Tourism, effort is being taken to develop state-of-the-art modern convention facilities with accommodations as Mizoram becoming a preferred destination of the North East, and with tourist arrival increasing substantially every year. Voluntourism : Volunteer Tourism also known as voluntourism has become a global phenomenon in the tourism industry particularly in less developed countries such as India, Peru, Vietnam, Honduras and Guatemala. People come to visit the place and start volunteering for certain causes. Voluntourism can also be propagated in regulated manner to generate revenue for the State economy.

36. Film Tourism: Promote Mizoram as a film shooting destination would be a perfect combination of tourism and film shooting as there are many ideal places for film shooting such as Thenzawl Golf Resort, Hmuifang Tourist Complex, Solomon Temple and Reiek Tourist Complex. Besides gaining wide publicity for the state, the local community also benefits economically from the crew during their stay. Weekend Getaway/Retreat or Day Tourism: There are many locations for weekend retreats/getaways in and around the capital viz Khawhpawp , Beraw , Reiek , Hmuifang etc which are popular amongst tourists. Golf Tourism: Mizoram has a well-equipped 18-hole golf course at Thenzawl Golf Resort, Serchhip District. Thenzawl and its surroundings offer many attractive destinations such as Tuirihiau , Vantawng Fall, Chawngchilhi Puk , Vaibiak , Thenzawl Dilpui , Deer Park, Bengkhuaia Thlan , LAD Park, Wellness Spa and Vety Farm where one can mimic the ‘cowboy life’ with proper ensemble. Wellness, Health & Herbal Tourism: Spa holidays are becoming popular these days. Mizoram has immense potential in this segment and can be a leading player in health and wellness tourism where professionally devised programmes can be initiated and delivered like ayurvedic treatments, rejuvenating treatments etc. Bestowed with an abundant variety of medicinal plants, the state could promote Health & Herbal Tourism. Areas and locations having valuable medicinal plants will be identified for the purpose of conducting educational herbal trails.

37. Village or Rural Tourism-Home Stay: Village or Rural Tourism has emerged as a new concept in the tourism industry. In this context, Mizoram is fast evolving as a responsible and sustainable tourism product with an important social objective through people’s participation. Rural tourism can be effectively implemented to boost tourism in the state. Rural tourism will ensure the dispersal of tourists from the city to villages enabling them to familiarise themselves with the unique culture and heritage prevalent so that they are rejuvenated and culturally enriched. Religious Tourism: Mizoram has potential for religious tourism as the State is predominantly Christians and the social life of the Mizos is deeply intertwined with the religious behaviour and much of the social calendar is dictated by religious events and gatherings. Christmas is still celebrated in the communal vein with street decorations, carols, feasts and music throughout the winter holidays. Religious tourism can also be complimented with the wedding tourism, which the new trend in tourism where people are seeking new and exotic destinations for wedding. Solomon Temple, KV Paradise, Beraw Tourist Complex, Hmuifang Tourist Complex and Thenzawl Golf Resort would be developed as wedding destinations to attract tourists in the State.

38. Fashion Tourism: People of Mizoram and the North East are known for their fashion sensibilities with trendy clothes and accessories. There are immense opportunities for the fashion entrepreneurs to start fashion industry in the State with an aim to promote fashion tourism through ethnic and traditional trendy wears. Fashion Tourism is defined as the phenomenon where by people travel to and stay in places outside their usual environment to enjoy experience and possibly consume fashion. Fashion tourism is another alternative form of tourism that attracts tourists from different parts of the world, this trend is gradually becoming one of the more sought after niche in the tourism markets. Tourists seek destination that fulfils their needs, wants and desires for new tastes and the overall experience of the destination’s culture that reflects its creativity, innovation and intricate tapestry of skills and knowledge of the host country. Fashion is constantly evolving and the new tourist will not be left behind as they would want to get on board with the latest trends and tastes especially for the purpose of viewing fashion trend in the places they are visiting. Mizoram’s unfathomable beauty, cultural diversity and geographical location offer great potentials for and sustainable development for the entire region.

39. Responsible Tourism for Sustainable Development Responsible tourism is all about spending locally and giving money to the local community who plays a major part in maintaining and preserving the essence of that place. It is the local community that infuse those places with the culture, colour, and personality that draw tourists in. In such a way, the Government should encourage local communities to actively participate in responsible tourism through their simple way of living while maintaining their environmental and ecological balances. Local food, local arts, and dedicating the spending to the local craftsmen and artisans at markets and small shops make travelling a genuine experience and help to preserve that culture for future generations to come. It is one way of promoting local culture to the rest of the world. “Sustainable tourism development requires the informed participation of all relevant stakeholders, as well as strong political leadership to ensure wide participation and consensus building. Achieving sustainable tourism is a continuous process and it requires constant monitoring of impacts, introducing the necessary preventive and/or corrective measures whenever necessary. Sustainable tourism should also maintain a high level of tourist satisfaction and ensure a meaningful experience to the tourists, raising their awareness about sustainability issues and promoting sustainable tourism practices amongst them”.

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