NHRA officials along with participants during the one-day training on Homestay and hospitality Skilling held at Khehokhu village, Niuland on January 26.
Niuland, January 29 (MExN): The Nagaland Hotel & Restaurant Association (NHRA), with financial assistance from the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), organised a one-day workshop on homestay and hospitality skilling at Nagaland Baptist College, Khehokhu, Niuland, on January 26.
Senior Tourist Officer, Dimapur, Keholeno Kennao, served as the resource person for the workshop, which aimed at promoting skill development among young aspiring entrepreneurs in the hospitality sector in Nagaland.
In her address, Kennao said the Nagaland government has been making sustained efforts to promote tourism through initiatives such as the Hornbill Festival, while the Mini Hornbill Festival, introduced in 2018, was aimed at expanding tourism activities across all districts of the state.
Explaining the concept of homestays, she said these provide accommodation within family residences, allowing visitors to experience local culture, cuisine, festivals and traditional ways of life. Hospitality, she added, refers to the cordial relationship between hosts and guests in the service sector.
She said the state encourages homestays as they help preserve and promote Naga culture and traditions while generating local employment, livelihood opportunities and sustainable tourism. Homestays are also eco-friendly and require relatively low capital investment, she noted.
Highlighting key features of homestays, the resource person listed cultural performances and village festivals, nature-based activities such as trekking, farming and crafts, museums and exhibitions of traditional architecture, promotion of local cuisine and organic food, warm hospitality practices, community participation, active social media presence, and storytelling and interpretation by trained tourist guides.
Kennao also shared the checklist for registration of homestays with the Department of Tourism, Nagaland, which includes a duly filled application form, passport-size photograph, proof of identity, treasury challan of Rs 500, verification by the district tourist officer, recommendation from the district administration, antecedent report from the nearest police station, and a no-objection certificate from the colony chairman.
The programme was hosted by Tolibo Awomi, Office Assistant, NHRA. NHRA president Vito Aomi delivered the keynote address, while the vote of thanks was proposed by Vikie Nagi, secretary (finance), NHRA. Around 35 participants attended the workshop.
