SEZ as a concept is very well known to us. Unfortunately it is not considered for development of tourism in India. As a country we have great potential in this area on account of splendid natural assets like wildlife , cultural heritage, classical music , monuments, yoga and meditation etc etc. Even if we pick up just one specific concept like "Tiger reserves " we can develop few SEZs in India.
We have 50 tiger reserves in India out of which almost 20 are within 150 kms from the national or international airports. These can be very attractive destinations for foreign tourists.
Let us understand the potential and possibility by an example: One can think of setting up a Tourism SEZ near Nagpur, Maharashtra preferably on periphery of Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. The special features of this SEZ can include: · Providing mediation camp & yoga classes · Providing excellent but eco-friendly accommodation · Providing bicycles as means of travel within SEZ thereby creating No pollution zone. · A portion of the SEZ can be reserved for manufacturing of traditional items of ethnic values. For example, pottery, terracotta, handlooms, handicrafts etc. etc. This will provide employment to many artisans. Since, Nagpur airport is nearby connectivity would not be a problem. Tourism SEZ has great potential in India on account of following additional facts: · Government of India has created policy for “India as a great travel destination & aims to attract many foreign tourists”. · Even NRI’s are also interested in spending vacation in India & are capable of paying foreign exchange. · In the post COVID 19 world such SEZs which are close to nature and wildlife can be a great attraction. Some other countries in Asia have developed tourism SEZ. 1. SEZ Mandalika Indonesia has set up SEZ Mandalika which aims to attract 2 million foreign tourists per year. This SEZ is approximately 1000 hectares & it is estimated to absorb at least 58,700 tourism workers. Five investors have started building hotels at the location (Paramount Studio Hotel, Royal Tulip Hotel, Club Med Hotel, Pullman Hotel and X2 Hotel). The development target of this zone is expected to reach US $ 159.5 million. The details of this SEZ can be seen on following link:- http://www.thejakartapost.com 2. SABRANG TOURISM SEZ - BEZA Bangladesh is also having the proposal for Tourism SEZ called SABRANG TOURISM SEZ - BEZA. Sabrang Tourism Park will be the first exclusive tourism park in the Cox’s Bazar district encompassing an area of 1027 acres. Sabrang is an amazing hill and sea beach territory, multifaceted diverse and admirably beautiful. The purest air, lofty hill, sea and lagoon create perfect conditions for the development of all types of tourism & entertainment. The details of this SEZ can be seen on following link:- http://www.beza.gov.bd When countries like Indonesia and Bangladesh are creating Tourism SEZs, India should not lag behind. With the diversity and natural assets that we have, we are far more capable in attracting foreign tourists provided we develop proper infrastructure. A country like Japan expects yearly 25 plus million tourists. We should also aim yearly 30 million tourists. This would not remain a dream if, we seriously work on tourism SEZs. Your views are welcome!!! Sudhakar Kasture Director, EXIM Institute (A Division of Helpline Impex Pvt. Ltd.) Mumbai. E-mail: sk@helplineimpex.co.in
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