Morung Express News
Dimapur | September 27
Calling for collective efforts to restart tourism in the state after the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, Nagaland Advisor for Tourism, Art and Culture H Khehovi Yeputhomi on Sunday urged stakeholders to live up to their responsibility to ensure that tourism’s benefits are shared by all.
“This crisis is an opportunity to rethink the tourism sector and its contribution to the people and planet; an opportunity to build back better towards a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient tourism,” the Advisor said on the occasion of World Tourism Day on September 27.
Focusing on this year’s theme ‘Tourism and Rural Development’ he said that while tourism has proven to be a lifeline for many rural communities, its true force still needs to be fully deployed. “The sector is not just a leading source of employment, particularly for women and youth, it also provides opportunities for territorial cohesion and socio-economic inclusion for the most vulnerable regions,” he added.
Citing examples of Nagaland’s natural resources and the varied opportunities eco adventure and rural-cultural tourism, Yeputhomi stated that tourism helps rural communities hold onto their unique natural and cultural heritage, supporting conservation projects, including those safeguarding endangered species, lost traditions or flavours.
“Placing rural development at the heart of tourism policies through education, investment, innovation and technology can transform the livelihoods of millions; preserve our environment and our culture,” he said while adding that harnessing tourism as a driver of rural development will keep the global community on track to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio took to Twitter and conveyed greetings on World Tourism Day. “Happy #WorldTourismDay. We look forward to welcoming you to Nagaland, the #LandOfFestivals, with coordinated health protocols in place. We will strive to rebuild tourism industry in a resilient and sustainable way, focussing on accessible and inclusive tourism,” Rio tweeted.
‘Destination NE 2020’ virtual event
The state DIPR has informed that the four-day ‘Destination NE 2020’ virtual event organized by Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) which started on September 27 is being streamed on various social media platforms from September 27 to 30. (See Box)
The event with the theme ‘The Emerging Delightful Destinations’ aims at highlighting the region's various potentials like culture, heritage and business with a special focus on eco-tourism.
It will also witness Nagaland as the Focus State on September 29 with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio as the Chief Guest and Advisor for Tourism and Art & Culture H Khehovi Yeputhomi as the Guest of Honour.
