Natural splendour alone cannot build tourism: Nagaland Governor

Morung Express News
Dimapur | September 8 

Nagaland may be gifted with naturally beautiful landscapes, rich biodiversity, vibrant festivals, distinctive cuisines and a remarkably diverse cultural heritage. The state is also increasingly being discovered by visitors. However, according to the Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav, natural and cultural attractions alone do not make for a successful tourism destination.     

“Visitors remember not only the mountains they see or the festivals they attend. They remember how they were welcomed, the food they experienced, the cleanliness of the place, the quality of service and the warmth of the people they met,” said Yadav on a visit to the State Institute of Hotel Management (SIHM), Dimapur on September 8. 

This is where institutions like the SIHM have an important role, he added.

Addressing the students, Yadav said the hospitality sector requires trained professionals who can combine technical knowledge with discipline, communication skills, courtesy, and a genuine spirit of service. He noted that the industry offers opportunities in hotels, restaurants, airlines, cruise services, and event management, which can extend well beyond the state and the country with experience and determination.

Yadav also spoke on the rapid changes in the sector, pointing to the influence of technology, online booking platforms, digital payments, artificial intelligence, and social media. He advised young professionals to remain curious, adaptable, and willing to learn continuously to keep pace with these shifts.

“Our hospitality professionals can become ambassadors of Nagaland,” Yadav said, noting that every hotel receptionist, chef, guide, and trainee contributes to the state’s image. He added that there is both an economic and cultural responsibility associated with the profession, urging young people to look beyond government employment and recognise the equal dignity in becoming skilled chefs, bakers, entrepreneurs, and tourism specialists.

He further pointed to the potential for collaboration with local communities through homestays, eco-tourism, and adventure tourism to generate livelihoods in rural areas. Urging students to consider entrepreneurship, Yadav stated that small ventures, like a home-based food enterprise or a village homestay, can become successful models. He advised the students to dream beyond their present circumstances, learn beyond textbooks, and work beyond their comfort zone to help build the future of the state.

The Governor also extended encouragement to six students whose education in the SIHM is sponsored by the Lok Bhavan, Kohima. He stated that the sponsorship is not merely financial assistance but a responsibility. He added that the best way of repaying such support is by becoming capable, responsible and useful members of society, and by paying forward, or helping other young people.