Scaling up tourism activities in Nagaland stressed
Our Correspondent
Kohima | September 27
The need to scale up the tourism activities in Nagaland has been stressed at the World Tourism Day observed here today at the Directorate of Tourism under the theme “Sustainable tourism- a tool for development.”
The day was dedicated to exploring the contribution of tourism to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Last year alone 1.235 million travelers crossed international borders in one single year. By 2030, this 1.2 billion will become 1.8. The question, as we celebrate World Tourism Day 2017, is how we can enable this powerful global transformative force, these 1.8 billion opportunities, to contribute to make this world a better place and to advance sustainable development in all its three pillars. This World Tourism Day, whenever you travel, wherever you travel, remember to respect nature, respect culture and respect your host,” stated UNWTO secretary general Taleb Rifai in a message read out by Deputy Director (T) Ajanuo Belho on the occasion here.
Encourage rural tourism
Richard Belho, architect, Zynorique stressed on the need to scale up tourism activities in the state, adding that the tourism department also need to be strengthened and frame proper policy in place.
Belho also emphasized on the need to encourage rural tourism in Nagaland.
He said tour operators need to expand its coverage by offering tour packages to the tourists to see and experience the rich culture and lifestyle of the Naga villages. The package may also be in the form of visit to traditional healing centres, prayer centres, heritage sites in many pockets of the state. There can also be storytelling festival.
Belho also stressed on the need to enhance the hospitality sector by treating the tourist well and give them the best service.
We have much to offer to the rest of the world
“We have much to offer to the rest of the world from our rich natural beauty to diversity and uniqueness of our cultural and heritage,” shared Mezhusieno Beio of Lalhou’s Homestay, Kigwema village.
All of us here today share a common goal, striving for sustainable, growth and prosperity of our people, she added. She challenged the gathering to strive together for sustainable tomorrow.
She also stressed on the need to promote locals festivals and places, proper implementation of various schemes and plans to encourage, mobilize the many educated unemployed youths, maximum rural involvement and coordination with various communities especially in sanitation, conservation and promotion of important significant areas.
Tourism studies in St. Joseph College
In experience sharing, Martha, lecturer tourism studies, St. Joseph College Jakhama said that tourism course was introduced in this college in 2014.
The main objective of starting this tourism programme is to do career opportunities, develop sector skills and increase employability. It also aims to empower the youth towards skill development for their career prospects.
She said even internship was conducted and students were sent outside like Thailand. Field experience had also been conducted.
Based on students’ interest, the college has signed MoU with industry linkages.
Home stay training from October
Sentisangla Pongener of YouthNet said the YouthNet in collaboration with National Skill Development Corporation has launched home stay training in Nagaland, which will start from October. She said the training will focus on 200 women entrepreneurs who are running home stay, home stay owners and who would like to get into business in near future.
The training would cover tourism, entrepreneurship, soft skills, housekeeping, hospitality, customer service etc.
The idea is to be able to empower young people with employment opportunities and also increase tourism growth within the North East.
The training will be conducted at YouthNet office near Kohima College. Youthnet will be providing bus service, lunch and even accommodation for outstation participants. Registration is absolutely free. For registration, one has to produce Aadhaar card and first page of the bank passbook.
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