DEVELOPMENT OF e-Tourism IN NORTH-EAST

INDIA
MR. MRINAL KUMAR DUTTA .

SIBSAGAR COMMERCE COLLEGE, SIVASAGAR , ASSAM

Over the last few years, Information Technologies (IT) have had a growing impact on
tourism promotion, marketing and sales. With the advent of new forms of IT, a novel type of
tourism, e-tourism, has emerged that is radically transforming the tourism industry. The tourism
area is one of those industries which can gain huge synergy effects from the use of the Internet.
This research addresses the issue of competitive advantge for the tourism area by using
Information Technologies, in particulr the Internet and its development in the North-east India .
More and more people now prefer to search for information on tourism destinations and offers
on the Internet. But in most cases it is not developing countries that benefit from new tourism
opportunities. Most information on tourism opportunities in developing countries is generated,
updated and marketed online by major international service providers based in developed
countries. The Aim of the paper is finding out the Development of e-tourism in North-East India
to improvise the future prospects along with the global markets. The Position and Prospects of
Development of e-tourism in the fields of new tools and technologies i.e on-line services like
bookings of Airline tickets, Railway reservation, Bus tickets, Hotel Reservation , Resort
Reservations , Car Rentals , Organizing a business meeting in a Hotel/Resort , Participation in a
particular Festival or ,events , enjoying a match and also Negotiating a Price, asking for
discounts, Making on-line payments , Exchanging quarries and Ideas , Interaction and also
some newly developed tools like CRM(Customer Relation Management) and VCIT ( Value
Chain Integration Tourism) has been examine by reviewing various Literatures . The paper
proceeds with the Development of e-tourism in NE India and a brief explanation about the above
mentioned with respect to the global market. The next section will be the comparing position of
North East in the Development of e-tourism with the Global scenario and the suggestion for
future prospects.

Keywords: e-tourism , development, north-east .

Introduction :

During the last decade of 20th century, India saw the emergence of e-tourism, its
innovation and growth. It is because of the online revolution and its utility where
the tourists are more interested to get information on destinations, facilities,
availabilities, prices, geography & climate and present status of friendly relation.
This led to the development of e-commerce strategies in tourism industry and more
services in the form of online hotel booking, flight booking, car booking, bus
booking came into forefront as online services provided by the big online travel
industries like Travelchacha.com, Makemytrip.com, Yatra.com, Cleartrip.com,
Ezeego1.com, Arzoo.com, Travelguru.com, Travel.indiatimes.com, ixigo.com,
travelocity.co.in etc. On these sites, the travelers have wide option of exploring
details of hotels, flights, cars, buses and other allied services. Before their
departure, travelers are researching their journey on the Internet and the number of
users is multiplying day-by-day. The survey has proved that India has shown
clearly as one of the emerging leisure online travel market which attracted millions
of travelers to explore the itineraries and their details on the one hand and seeking
online services for flight booking, hotel booking, car booking, bus booking etc. on
the other. The survey further clarified the future perspective of E-tourism in India
by putting a figure of potential earning expected to be a $2-billion.

The main strategies for the accomplishment of effective E-Tourism implementation

are increasing information via electronic device (e-information), creating trust
between tourists and entrepreneurs, developing e-commerce capacity, marketing,
and promoting the authorities to be the e-marketplace for tourism. The strong and
sustainable expansion of the international tourism activity is one of the most
remarkable socio-economic phenomena of our time. Tourism is now one of the
worlds largest industries comprising all the socioeconomic activities that are
directly or indirectly involved in providing services to tourists. The revenues
generated by the international tourism activity have grown by an average annual
rate of 11 percent over the past five decades. This rate of growth far outstrips that
of the world economy as a whole and makes tourism one of the largest categories
of international trade. Although recent trends in international tourism indicate that
the tourism activity is still concentrated in the developed regions of Europe and the
Americas, a substantial proliferation of new tourism destinations is also observed
in the developing regions. Particularly, the market share in world international
tourism has been increasing for Asia and the Pacific, the Middle East and Africa.
For many countries in those regions, international tourism is now considered an
important source of foreign exchange earnings and employment. Therefore,
tourism has been given much attention in the national development strategies of
many developing countries and recently placed on the agenda of many
international conferences on sustainable development. Considering their rich and
diverse natural, geographic, historical and cultural heritage assets, the OIC
countries have, in fact, a high potential for the development of a sustainable
international tourism sector. Yet, considering their modest share in the world
tourism market and the concentration of their international tourism activity in a
small number of countries, it seems that a large part of their inherent tourism
potential remains unutilised. The desirable levels of tourism development in many
OIC countries, and in the OIC region as a whole, have not yet been achieved.
Therefore, albeit a crucial factor, the potential of inherent natural tourism resources
cannot, unless properly planned and managed, by itself make a successful tourism
industry. Respondents considered that the main benefits of e-commerce for tourism
enterprises are providing easy access to information on tourism services,
providing better information on tourism services, and providing convenience for
customers. This result implies that respondents are less aware of many other
benefits of e-commerce, such as creating new markets, improving customer
services, establishing interactive relationships with customers, reducing
operating cost, interacting with other business partners, and founding new
business partners.

The North East India comprises of eight contiguous states of highly undulating
hilly terrains, covering 263,179 sq km which is about 8% of the total geographical
area of the country. The region is one of the landlocked regions of South Asia.
About 4500 km i.e. 98% of its border is with five different countries of South
AsiaNepal, Bhutan, China, Myanmar and Bangladesh. No other region of the
Indian union share common border with so many different countries connecting
with the heartland through the tenuous 22 km Siliguri corridor. The region is the
home of extraordinarily diverse mosaic of ethnic groups having distinctive social,
cultural and economic identity, more akin to their South Asia neighbors than main
land India. The total population of the region is about 38 million, 3.8 per cent of
the countrys total population, of which Assam contributes 68 per cent of the total
population. Assam recorded the highest density of population with 340 per sq. km.,
which is also higher than the national average of 313 per sq. km., followed by
Tripura with 305 per sq. km. Otherwise, the region is sparsely populated with an
overall density of population of 149 per sq. km.

Table 1

Area and Population of North East India ( 2001 Census)

State Area Population Density Decennial Sex Literacy

per sq Growth Rate Ratio Rate
(sq. km (1991-2001)
km.)

Arunacha 83,743 10,97,968 13 26.94 893 54.3

l Pradesh

Assam 78,438 2,66,55,528 340 18.92 935 63.3

Manipur* 22,327 22,93,896 103 24.88 978 70.5

Meghalay 22,429 23,18,822 103 30.65 972 62.6

a

Mizoram 21,081 8,88,573 42 28.84 935 88.8

Nagaland 16,579 19,90,036 120 64.46 800 66.6

Sikkim 7,096 5,40,851 76 33.25 875 68.8

Tripura 10,486 31,99,203 305 16.03 948 73.2

India 32,87,2 102,87,37,4 313 21.54 933 64.8

40 36

Source: GOM. 2005. Statistical Abstract of Manipur, Directorate of Economics &

Statistics, pp. 29-31.
ASSAM :

Assam the rich, green land of rolling plains and dense forests is the gateway to the
north eastern part of India. The mighty Brahmaputra river that has its origins in
Tibet charts its majestic course through this state. This mystic land of eternal blue
hills and beautiful rivers is renowned for its tea, rich flora and fauna, the world
famous one horned rhinoceros and other rare species of wildlife on the verge of
extinction. Barring Africa, there is perhaps no part of the world where such a
variety of wildlife exists.
Situated between 90-96 degree East Longitute and 24-28 degree North Latitude,
Assam is bordered in the North and East by the Kingdom of Bhutan and Arunachal
Pradesh. Along the south lies Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram. Meghalaya lies to
her South-West, Bengal and Bangladesh to her West.
Exotic denizens of the sylvan world add to the mystery and charm of this weird
land. Frolick of apes, graceful elephants, fluttering of wings & singing of birds,
migratory birds flying into the hills, the majestic tiger enforcing his authority all
invite you to carry back home a little what the heaven is made of. The rhino
emerges as if from prehistory and treads the Kaziranga National park. And who can
forget lush green Tea gardens which beckon you to have a cup of fresh tea and
enjoy the enthralling music of life.
Kaziranga
The Kaziranga National Park is the only National Park in the State situated in
central Assam with an area of 430sq. km. It is the home of the great Indian one
horned Rhinoceros (Unicornis). The landscape of Kaziranga is of sheer forest, tall
elephant grass, rugged reeds, mellow marshes and shallow pools. Kaziranga has a
history of its own. Lady Curzon first heard about the Rhinos of Kaziranga from her
British tea planter friends and came to Assam in 1904-05. Although she could not
see the animal, she spotted hoof prints with three toes and believed that such an
animal did exist. On her return, she persuaded lord Curzon to do something to save
this animal from total annihilation.

Guwahati
Guwahati has several places of historical interest. Perhaps the biggest attraction is
the Kamakhya Temple atop Nilachal hill, where the Goddess Kamakhya is
worshipped and which commands a majestic view of the city and the river.
Guwahati is the commercial capital of the North east. Its markets are busy and
noisy and well stocked, especially with local handicraft sand handloom for
handicraft item include the State Government department store, Pragiyotika at
Ambari as well as many privately owned shops in Pan Bazar and Fancy Bazar, two
of the main commercial markets, that sell a range of items- from muga silk to bell
metal, canework to woollen shawls and elegant Naga and Manipur jackets.

Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal finds mention in the literature of Kalika Purana and Mahabharata. This
place is supposed to be the Prabhu Mountains of the Puranas. It was here that sage
Parashuram washed away his sin, sage Vyasa meditated, King Bhishmaka founded
his kingdom and Lord Krishna married his consort Rukmini.
The widely scattered archeological remains at different places in Arunachal bears
testimony to its rich cultural heritage. Arunachal Pradesh, a serene land tucked into
the North Eastern tip of India, invites you to relax in its picturesque hills and
valleys, enjoy its salubrious climate and meet its simple and hospitable people,
with their glorious heritage of arts and crafts and colourful festivals that reflect
their ancient faith in the inexorable power of nature. The visitor has a wide variety
of options to pick from. There are places of worship and piligrimage such as
Parasuramkund and 400 years old Tawang Monastery, or the sites of archeological
excavations like Malinithan and Itanagar, the serene beauty of lakes such as Ganga
lake or Sela lake or the numerous variations of scenic beauty of the snowclad silver
mountain peaks and lush green meadows where thousands of species of flora and
fauna prosper. In addition, the state provides abundant scope for angling, boating,
rafting, trekking and hiking. Besides, there are a number of wild life sanctuaries
and national parks where rare animals, birds and plants will fascinate the visitor.
Nature has provided the people with a deep sense of beauty which finds delightful
expression in their songs, dances and crafts. The climate varies from hot and humid
to heavy rainfall in the Shivalik range. It becomes progressively cold as one moves
northwards to higher altitudes. Trees of great size, plentiful climbers and
abundance of cane and bamboo make Arunachal evergreen. Arunachal Pradesh is
considered to be the "nature's treasure trove"and home to orchids, known for their
exquisitely beautiful blooms, from one of the dominant taxa with more than six
hundred species, occurring in varying elevations and climatic conditions
throughout the state.

Itanagar
Itanagar has been the capital of Arunachal Pradesh since 20th April 1974. Itanagar
is situated at the foothills. The township is situated at 350 metres above mean sea
level. It comes administratively under Papumpare district. The Nishis or Nishings
is the major tribe in Itanagar area. However, Itanagar can be called as mini India,
as people from all over the country, live here in harmony. As a capital town,
Itanagar is well connected with the rest of the country by road and air
communications. Pawan Hans provides helicopter service between Guwahati and
Naharlagun(Itanagar). Deluxe buses are available from Guwahati.
Itanagar is the capital of India's largest North Eastern state. Here one can find
historical fort called Itafort, dating back to the 14-15 centuries, after which it is
named. The capital houses the Rajbhawan , the official residence of the Governor
has also many worth visiting places in and around Itanagar.

These include legendary Ganga Lake (Gyakar Sinyi). It is a beautiful picnic spot, 6
kms away from Itanagar, a green forest lake surrounded by primeval vegetation,
orchids masses on tall trees, tree ferns provides a small taste of the magnificent
forests of the state.

Sikkim

Small but beautiful. Sikkim is situated in the eastern Himalayas . Spread below the
Mount Khanchendzonga (8534 mts), the third highest mountain in the world, and
revered by the Sikkimese as their protective deity. With an area of 7,300 sq kms
and measuring approx. 114 kms from the north to south and 64 kms from east to
west, the elevation ranges from 300 mts to over 8540 mts above sea level.
Amidst the grandeur of the mountain peaks, lush valleys, fast flowing rivers, hills,
Sikkim offers her visitors a rare and singular experience. Within a matter of hours
one can move from the sub tropical heat of the lower valleys to the cold of the
rugged mountain slopes that reach up to the area of perpetual snow .
Sikkim is the 22nd state of India came into existence with effect from 26th April,
1975. Sikkim has been divided into four districts and each district has further been
bifurcated into two sub-divisions for administrative purpose. Sikkim state being a
part of inner mountain ranges of Himalayas, is hilly having varied elevation
ranging from 300 to 8540 meters. But the habitable areas are only up to the altitude
of 2100 mtrs. Constituting only 20% of the total area of the state. The highest
portion of sikkim lies in its north west direction. A large number of mountains
having altitudes of about seven thousand meters stands here with - Kanchenjunga
(8598 m.), The third highest peak in the world. The high serrated, snow capped
spurs and peaks of Kanchenjunga look attractive consisting of Kumbha Karna
(7711 m.), Pendem (6706 m.), Narsingh (5825 m.), Kabru Dome (6545 m.), etc. A
number of glaciers descends from eastern slopes of Kanchenjunga into Sikkim
where snow clad line is found above 5300 mtrs. The biggest of them is Zemu, from
whose snout above Lachen monastery rises the river Teesta. Teesta is the main
river and its main tributaries are Zemu, Lachung, Rangyong, Dikchu, Rongli,
Rangpo and Rangit which form the main channel of drainage from the north to the
south. It boasts of the great mount Kanchendzonga as its crown.
Ethically Sikkim has mainly three groups of people viz. Nepalis, Bhutias, Lepchas.
The local language is Nepali. English is the official language. This jewel- like
mountain state of ethereal beauty with an area of 7299 sq. kms , nestles in the heart
of Himalayas. Cradled in the manifold splendors of nature deep within the snow
clad Himalayas is Sikkim's capital Gangtok. Wrapped in mists and clouds. A
garden state with an incredible variety of orchids, rhododendrons, gladioli and a
host of other flowers. Rustling, tumbling streams and torrents. Mountain
monasteries and quaint shopping plazas.

Gangtok
Gangtok its captivating architectural beauty radiates with pagoda-like wooden
houses, painted turquoise roofs and gay bazaars. Undoubtedly modern times have
wound their way into this picturesque town, but the gently swaying and elegant
costumes of the Sikkimese people, their smiling faces, the unhurried pace of their
life-style and the towering beauty of Kanchenjunga ..... all cast a magic spell on
this delightful location in the foothills of the grand Himalayas.Perched atop a ridge
at a height of 1520 mts. Lies Gangtok, a tantalizing town touched by a panorama of
colours. Gangtok the capital of Sikkim, is today a busy town bustling with hectic
activity.

FINDING AND CONCLUSION:

Tourism is a vital sector of economy and major source of revenues for any country.
The rapid change of information and communication technology (ICT) has
transformed business procedures from traditional channels relying on
competencies of physical travel agencies to online virtual enterprises. IN case of
North East India the e-tourism is covering the progress in a slow order as we
have seen that the total coverage of North-east in terms of e-tourism from
on-line services like bookings of Airline tickets, Railway reservation, Bus tickets,
Hotel Reservation , Resort Reservations , Car Rentals , Organizing a business
meeting in a Hotel/Resort is going on with the help of a few web sites to make
crucial decisions with regard to adoption of e-commerce despite uncertainty of its
actual benefits. Yet, the provision of e-commerce does not assure their complete
success. Support from the government is needed to accelerate the e-commerce
development in north-east region in spite of its natural heritage and a vast flora
and fauna it is not properly or rather electronically displayed for the knowledge of
tourists from all over the world to taste the natural beauty of this region . The
government should provide space for sufficient facilities, training, and
information.The main strategies to gain an accomplishment are accelerating and
increasing electronic information, building tourists and entrepreneurs trust and
confidence in e-commerce, developing e-commerce capacity, marketing via
electronic devices, promoting the development of e-marketplace for tourism,
building up skilled IT people and motivation to build up the confidence among the
players.

SUGGESTIONS:

1. Producing joint programmes and promotional materials on tourism such as

TV programmes, online brochures, posters and guidebooks and making them
available to the member of north-east tourism in order to promote the
cultural heritage, diversity and landmarks . For this a dedicated OIC tourism
satellite channel could broadcast the tourism activities in this region .

2. Developing Internet Guide for Tourism with a view to providing all proper
information in the tourism sector with comprehensive and updated
information on tourism .

3. Establishing and facilitating more online linkages in air, land/rail and sea
transportation with the help of online money transactions.

4. Encouraging public and private joint venture investments in tourism

projects with DONER.

5. Holding joint training/vocational courses, workshops, seminars and

conferences on e- tourism industry by the relevant training institutes and
establishing linkages or networks among tourism training institutions in the
North-East region .

6. Taking advantage of the various technical and financial programmes of the

relevant international organisations, mainly those of the World Tourism
Organisation and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) of the World
Bank ,which would help them in identifying, planning and funding our
tourism activities at regional levels.
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