Integrated clusters would enable policymakers with leeway to promote conservation and growth of eco-tourism
A participatory approach involving MSMEs and local communities to develop tourism circuits would greatly enhance their attractiveness. (Photo: DC/File)
Chennai: Tourism development invariably hinges on infrastructure development and brand promotion.
But evolving tourism-specific micro small and medium enterprise (MSME) clusters will not only add more value to each circuit, but also increase the visibility of local brands, according to the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham).
“Tourism-specific MSME clusters will unshackle innovation capabilities of the circuits in terms of new projects, marketing strategies and alternative livelihood generation, leading to development of infrastructure and civic amenities within the region in the long run,” says Rana Kapoor, president, Assocham.
Integrated clusters would enable policymakers with leeway to promote conservation and growth of eco-tourism, further contributing towards preserving the environment and rural heritage. A participatory approach involving MSMEs and local communities to develop tourism circuits would greatly enhance their attractiveness. Highlighting geographical appellations and enforcing collaborative clusters will be the key drivers to create tourism-enhanced MSME hubs, Assocham feels.
As per an estimate, the bulk of tourist accommodations are provided by the unorganised sector which are owned and operated by village or town-based family enterprises catering to a vast miscellany of tourists.
The MSME sector contributes to 10 per cent of TN’s gross state domestic product (GSDP), providing employment to 58,83,000 people, and accounts for an investment of '48,189 crore. The sector produces over 8,000 products across the engineering, electrical, electronics, chemicals, plastics, steel, paper, matches, textiles and garments verticals.
In order to encourage women entrepreneurs five new industrial estates for women have been set up in the state, the first-of-its-kind in the country. Tourism circuits are normally designed to showcase the cultural and heritage wealth of the state. This is the first time a proposal to include tourism-specific MSME clusters was mooted by India’s premier industry body.
( Source : dc )
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