NE has huge potential of border tourism, wildlife tourism: Bhatt

International Tourism Mart commences in Nagaland 

Our Correspondent
Kohima | November 27

A three day long 9th International Tourism Mart (ITM) for North East Region under the aegis of Ministry of Tourism, Government of India with Nagaland government as host commenced here today.

Addressing the inaugural session here at State Banquet Hall, Ajay Bhatt, minister of state for tourism and defence, Government of India said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed from the Red Fort that everyone should visit North East, it has immense tourism potential.

“The simple nature and hospitality of the people here is incomparable, which I am experiencing myself,” he said.

Stating that tourism and culture complement each other, Bhatt said “If our culture is rich, then tourism is the best way to know and understand this richness.”

Bhatt added that in this Tourism Mart we are emphasizing on domestic tourism.

About 75 sellers from the Northeast and about 50 buyers from the country are participating in the Mart.

“Many parts of this region are still untouched from the point of view of tourists. There is a huge potential of border tourism and wildlife tourism”, he added.

Bhatt further said that this year 50 students from different parts of the country have got an opportunity to know and understand Northeast India through the programme.

He also asked the ambassadors of different countries to motivate the tourists of their country to visit this region of India.

“The Government of India is doing many things for the development of tourism in the Northeast. To prepare the infrastructure, the Government of India has sanctioned funds in the northeastern states under the 'Swadesh Darshan' and 'Prashad' schemes. Under the 'Swadesh Darshan' scheme, 16 projects have been approved in the North-East these have been completed or are nearing completion,” he said.

He appealed to State Governments to celebrate Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsava with great enthusiasm.
 
NE region will emerge as one of favourite tourism and business destination in India: Rio
Also addressing the gathering, Nagaland’s chief minister Neiphiu Rio expressed the hope that the International Tourism Mart in Kohima will give a boost to the tourism and business sector not only in Nagaland but the entire Northeast.

“We are hopeful that this event should bring together the tourism business fraternity and entrepreneurs from the North eastern states; and that it will give a boost to the sector in Nagaland as well as the entire North East,” Rio said.

Rio said that ITM 2021 is the right initiative of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India for promoting tourism in the Northeastern region, adding “It rightly showcases the great opportunity the cultural wealth and scenic beauty provides for the tourism sector.”

Rio hoped that Northeast region will emerge as one of the favourite tourism and business destination in India.

Going by a media account, he said that tourist inflow into the northeast region increased from 71.62 lakh during 2014-2015 to more than one crore visitors in 2018-2019.

He hoped that the distinguished delegates at the ITM would deliberate and find new ideas to harness the full tourism potential in the Northeast Region.

“I am confident that with the united and concerted efforts of the eight North East states and all the stakeholders who are part of this Mart, the tourism industry will get the necessary boost,” he said.

“Let us remind ourselves that tourism is not just visiting and seeing new places. Tourism is about experiencing new culture, understanding the diversity of life, and looking at the world with new eyes. The people of the Northeast region are more than willing to walk with the fast-advancing world towards progress — they are now also welcoming the world into the rich spaces of their cultures, and their hearts,” Rio added.
 
ITM- biggest travel networking event in NE region
Arvind Singh, secretary Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, said, “International Tourism Marts is biggest travel and tour networking event in the North Eastern Region of the country.

The rich natural beauty, serenity and exotic flora and fauna of the North Eastern India are invaluable resources for the development of tourism especially eco-tourism.

He said that the facilities for tourists to stay, for food, shopping and entertainment are improving tremendously.

Singh added that Travel & Tourism is one of the world’s largest economic sectors, creating exports and prosperity around the world. Indian Tourism sector has emerged as one of the key drivers of growth for Indian economy.

The event was attended by the High Commissioner, Brunei Darussalam, High Commissioner, Malaysia, Ambassador Extra Ordinary, Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Ambassador, The Socialist Republic of Vietnam, amongst other attending dignitaries and diplomats. Other high-ranking officials from participating Ministries/Government bodies are also going to be part of the event.

The three-day event will be attended by over 300 delegates including government officials, industry stakeholders and local participants. In line with the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’, the delegation also includes students from across the country who, as part of a study tour, will be interacting with local students and immersing themselves in the region’s rich heritage and culture.

In addition to these, the event also includes presentations by state governments on their tourism potential and a vibrant exhibition by State Tourism Departments from the North Eastern region to showcase the tourism products of the respective participating states. Various engaging discussions on several aspects of tourism and unique tourism products in the North East Region and their potential are also a part of the event.
 
MoU sign for operations of SIHM in Dimapur
An MoU was signed during the inaugural session between the Department of Tourism, Government of Nagaland and Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI) for operations of State Institute of Hotel Management in Dimapur. Earlier, welcome address was delivered by H Khehovi Yeputhomi, advisor tourism, art & Culture, Nagaland while vote thanks was proposed by Rupinder Brar, Additional Director General, Ministry of Tourism, GoI.

Meanwhile, day two session on November 28 at The Naga Heritage Kisama will start from 9: AM onwards.