Enhancing Manipur's tourism through insights from Sri Lanka

Gautam Shamurailatpam *

Enhancing state's tourism through insights from Sri Lanka :: Pix - Chronicle News Service / Gautam Shamurailatpam

Manipur, located in the north-eastern region of India, is a land rich in natural beauty, vibrant culture, and a storied history. Despite these advantages, the state's tourism potential remains underdeveloped.

In a bid to address this gap and foster growth in the tourism sector, the Directorate of Information and Public Relations, Manipur, in collaboration with All Manipur Working Journalists' Union, organised an exposure tour for 22 journalists from the state to Sri Lanka.

This initiative provided the journalists with an opportunity to explore Sri Lanka's successful tourism Strategies and insights into how these practices could be applied to enhance tourism in Manipur. The tour, which included visits to notable sites such as Sigiriya Rock, Kandy, and Colombo, provided invaluable lessons on heritage preservation, eco-tourism, agri-tourism, and urban tourism.

A key lesson drawn from Sri Lanka's tourism model was the importance of heritage preservation and its role in attracting global visitors. Sri Lanka has done an exceptional job of preserving its ancient monuments and cultural landmarks. Sigiriya Rock, for instance, is not only a UNESCO World Heritage site but also a key attraction that draws tourists from around the world.

Visitors are offered an immersive experience through guided tours that explain the historical significance of the site, its archaeological importance, and the artistic contributions of the civilisation that built it. The presence of frescoes and inscriptions dating back centuries makes Sigiriya a testament to the power of heritage conservation in promoting tourism.

Similarly, Sri Lanka's Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy is a prime example of a site that intertwines religious significance with cultural tourism. The temple is the repository of a relic believed to be a tooth of the Buddha, and it attracts millions of Buddhist pilgrims and tourists each year.

The site is meticulously maintained, with rituals and cultural performances deepening the visitor experience. Manipur, too, is home to historical and cultural landmarks that could be similarly preserved and marketed.

Sites such as the Kangla Fort in Imphal - the royal palace of the Manipuri kings - have significant historical value but lack the infrastructure and attention required to make them prominent tourist destinations. The state could focus on preserving and restoring such sites while providing guided tours and educational programmes that highlight their historical and cultural relevance.

By doing so, Manipur could turn these sites into attractions that not only educate visitors but also generate revenue for local communities. Sri Lanka's approach to eco-tourism provided another valuable lesson for the journalists. Eco-tourism is a growing segment of the global travel industry, driven by tourists' increasing interest in nature conservation and sustainability.

Sri Lanka has effectively integrated eco-tourism into its tourism offerings. The Kandy Lake, for example, is an attractive natural site surrounded by lush greenery, and the area around the lake has been developed with walking paths and designated spaces for visitors.

The government has managed to balance tourism development with environmental conservation, ensuring that the natural beauty of the site is preserved for future generations while providing a source of income for the local community.

Enhancing state's tourism through insights from Sri Lanka :: Pix - Chronicle News Service / Gautam Shamurailatpam

Manipur's natural landscapes - especially its lakes, hills, and wetlands - make it an ideal location for eco-tourism. Loktak Lake, one of the state's most famous landmarks, with its unique Phumdis (floating biomass), offers incredible potential as an eco-tourism destination. However, the lack of proper infrastructure and tourism management has resulted in the underutilisation of this natural resource.

If developed responsibly, Loktak Lake could attract tourists interested in nature, wildlife, and sustainable travel. Developing eco-tourism around natural sites such as Loktak Lake, the Keibul Lamjao National Park, and the hills of Ukhrul could create a niche market for environmentally-conscious tourists while preserving the region's biodiversity.

Furthermore, initiatives such as guided tours, bird-watching activities, and local ecological education programmes could be introduced to engage visitors in the conservation of these ecosystems. These efforts would not only draw eco-tourists but also create jobs for local communities, encouraging them to be stewards of the environment.

Another significant takeaway from Sri Lanka's tourism model was the value of agri-tourism and the promotion of local craftsmanship. The visit to the Girigama Tea Factory highlighted the success of agri-tourism, where tourists are invited to explore tea plantations, learn about the tea-making process, and sample the various types of tea produced.

The experience is educational, immersive, and provides an opportunity for tourists to purchase high-quality products directly from the source. Manipur has similar opportunities in the realm of agri-tourism.

Promoting Manipur's indigenous agricultural products, such as the famous Manipuri ginger, could also form the basis for agri-tourism experiences, where tourists can visit farms, participate in the harvest, and purchase fresh, organic produce. In addition to agri-tourism, Sri Lanka's emphasis on promoting local craftsmanship, particularly in its gem industry, also provides valuable lessons.

Enhancing state's tourism through insights from Sri Lanka :: Pix - Chronicle News Service / Gautam Shamurailatpam

The Amith Gems (Pvt) Limited in Sri Lanka demonstrated how a local industry could become a key part of the tourism experience. Tourists are invited to see the gem-cutting process and purchase high-quality gems as souvenirs. Manipur's rich tradition in handloom textiles, handicrafts, and jewellery presents a similar opportunity.

By promoting local artisans through workshops, exhibitions, and live demonstrations, Manipur could carve out a unique niche in the global tourism market. This would also help preserve traditional crafts while providing a sustainable income for local artisans.

Finally, the group's visit to Colombo, Sri Lanka's vibrant capital, highlighted the importance of urban tourism in creating a well-rounded tourism destination. Colombo's urban spaces are a blend of modernity and tradition, where visitors can explore colonial era architecture, dine in trendy cafes, shop for local goods, and attend cultural performances.

The city's blend of modern amenities and rich cultural heritage makes it an attractive destination for both local and international tourists. For Manipur, the state capital Imphal could become a hub for urban tourism by developing infrastructure that caters to modern tourist needs while preserving the local culture.

The state could focus on developing shopping centres, cafes, art galleries, and cultural performance spaces in the city, Creating a dynamic atmosphere that attracts both domestic and international visitors. While maintaining the charm of its traditional architecture and culture, Imphal could incorporate modern elements that appeal to younger, more diverse tourists.

By improving basic amenities, transportation systems, and visitor experiences, the state could create a vibrant and inviting urban environment. The study tour to Sri Lanka provided working journalists from Manipur with valuable insights into how tourism can be developed and promoted effectively.

The key takeaways - preserving heritage sites, integrating eco-tourism, promoting agri-tourism, supporting local craftsmanship, and improving urban infrastructure - are all strategies that Manipur can adopt to enhance its tourism potential.

However, successful implementation will require careful planning, investment in infrastructure, and collaboration between the government, local communities, and private sector stakeholders. Manipur's natural beauty, cultural richness, and historical significance provide a strong foundation for tourism development.

By focusing on sustainable practices and promoting its unique assets, Manipur can transform itself into a thriving tourist destination. With the right mix of preservation, innovation, and community involvement, the state has the potential to become a key player in India's tourism industry.