Chaa-ngaang Hotel gee Waari
- Part 2 -

By Deepa Khomdram *

A hassle – free travel is most desired for any traveler anywhere, any place and removal of dreaded PAP was welcomed by many. Then, next should be how to make traveler visit the place. How could we make Manipur a 'Destination' – a must see place??? And the discussion follows......

Entrepreneur:- So, you mean to say is that we are not capable and prepared to handle any large tourist as yet ? In spite of packaging it and trying for the last few years, this entire NE business summit, PBDA is just a hog-wash and nothing can be expected so soon. How do you think we should prepare? Which would be the best models to follow to attract the right kind of tourist in this "jewel of the East"?

Critique:- Interesting!! Allow me to interrupt a little.... Yes, when you talk about models, it reminds me of many models followed all over tourist destination -Pilgrims, mountain retreats, beach for fun n frolic, adventure resorts, eco-tourism and many more. Now let's see where and in which category –Sanaleipak can belong to???

Id10T:- Ahhhh!!....It's all the models rolled into one. We have pilgrims like –Wangbrel khaa na chaoba, Nongmaiching, Koubru as pilgrims, then Siroy, Loktaak for adventure or retreats. Everything is here, which no place has!! So any type of tourist can choose from all these types which suit them. After all this is Sanaleipaak!!! (sighs proudly).

Advisor:- This is what we think sitting here and sipping this red-tea. But what about those would be tourist?? First of all they don't know how to reach this place – by air or surface transport. Even if they reach, they must also find a place for staying. In short, they need guide. Local customs, language, culture is so very different from many places they may have visited. Even the food is so different, it may be tasty to us, but may be its not at all palatable to them. All this knowledge of how, where, what and when is to be addressed. And major concern is security. Will they be safe??? Can state SF protect them?? Will the so called liberators of the land understand that it's for the benefit for the whole of Manipur??

Critique:- Ehhhh....that will be the case. The 'So called liberators of the land' will never understand. They will shoot, kill, kidnap – ask for ransom. All they want is money. Name of Kangleipak is just to eye-wash for their ugly motive. And they want publicity, for that they will do anything and everything. Security Force!!??? They too will join hand with the crooks and help them kidnap, kill for ransom, as long as they get their share. You all know these, and turn a blind eye; right???

Entrepreneur:- So... from your point of view, all our hopes are dashed. Is there no way that could make tourism possible in the state? Do we need to have our own arrangement for security for Tourist? Just like ATM machines guarded round the clock. What would be extra cost to provide such facility???

Critique:- Will the tourist like that?? They would want to be free, breathing fresh air –(sic)- full of dust. They would feel like a prisoner, guarded round the clock, from the time they land here till the time they leave. It would be invasion of private space of tourist, even if it is successfully implemented. I am sure nobody would like that. And once the word spreads, tourist will forget there is a destination called "Manipur" also.

Advisor:- There could be one more way out of these security issues. Since tourism is about business of making money, and for every small thing out here people are used to paying tax; if tour organizer and hospitality industry are willing to pay tax to all and sundry UG groups, then issue of security can be resolved. And if these can be done under some form of MoU signed by interested parties, then it would be best. I mean – this is the only practical solution at present, and we all know Government won't do anything to help. Instead they would love to aggrandize to their advantage. If possible some more recruitment of forces which translates to job-selling and more money to ministers.

Critique:- Aha...! I like that.... Yes!, they would do exactly that. All in a win-win situation. The so-called liberators of the land are happy, ministers are happy, who cares if anyone else is safe or happy!!!????

Entrepreneur:- Anyway, tourist will be paying for all these. And if there is still some margin left, probably Tourist industry will survive. Now, going back to our previous discussion – what kind of tourist we should try and sell our package? Honeymoon couples, corporate honchos, back-packers foreigners or package tourist looking for exotic destination?? And how should we package them to make it attractive? Should we not consult some experienced Tour Organizers? There must be some, who can do such packaging for us.

Id10T:- Why not many types of packages – to suit any type of tourist?? I mean – after all – all the tourist are also human. They would all love to see – Lai Haraoba, Sagol kangjei, Mukna kangjei. Enjoy all exotic food -103 varieties of vegetable dishes of uushop, for non-veg. Hundreds of variety from fish to pork.

Advisor:- To start with, we should try smaller groups first and experiment with variety of economical and exotic packages. Like for a group of 20 Spanish speaking tourists, there should be a guide fluent in both the language. Choosing of season is also important, summer should be best here with all leikai Lai-haraoba and other festival. One week package should include visit to all places – Siroy, Loktaak and Keibul Lamjao. Overnight stay at some places like Ukhrul will benefit that area, as well. Still smaller packages for two-three nights for couples and mainland Indian babus with a trip to Sekmai or Andro. Cost effective and value addition is a must – to make a memorable trip. Marketing these products should be done in all metros, for these a collective effort will be required. May be even take up some franchise could prove beneficial in the long run.

Critique:- That would be a workable one. But at the end of day, many other ills will too come up once tourist starts flooding. There will be more flesh-trade, drugs and boot-legers. Small time thieves will also thrive – like pick pocket. Unscrupulous traders and vendor will sell – native products at exorbitant prices. Anyway, good and bad are two sides of a coin so it walks hand in hand. So we must be ready to pay a price if we wish to keep pace with the world.

Welcome to Manipur Everyone!!!