
Karaiba Chawang
November 22
Kohima (MExN): Despite the US, Australia and Canada blacklisting Nagaland, as an “unsafe tourist destination”, the State government remains undaunted on the prospect of tourist inflow, and will continue to adopt tourist-friendly policies, especially on the Protected Area Permit (PAP).
Talking to this Correspondent, Special Secretary Home CP Giri said PAP posed a major obstacle for foreign tourists but relaxation had boosted tourist inflow into the State. Although PAP clearance was restricted only to the Home department earlier, even after partial relaxation, the government, in an attempt to facilitate tourist influx, has empowered even the Tourism Secretary to issue the same, starting this session. However, extension of stay period of the tourists is the prerogative of the concerned authority, he said.
Clarifying that the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) was never imposed in Nagaland, Giri said only the PAP was imposed to protect the tribal population and it has been made free now for the convenience of tourists.
Meanwhile, hectic preparations are underway at Kisama Heritage Village for the Hornbill Festival. According to Tourism department sources, more expansion and extension works have been added to this year’s edition of the Festival. The Chief Minister will visit the site for final inspection on Thursday. Despite the brouhaha over the reported “blacklisting”, Hotels in the state capital are fully booked, and there are no reports of any cancellation of the advance bookings.