EMN
DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 19
The 3rd International Travel Mart (ITM) held at Shillong has promised opportunities of growth in tourism industry across the North East states including Sikkim.
Altogether, delegates from 32 countries, besides domestic tour operators and stakeholders of tourism took part in the programme.
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary Tourism, Government of India, Pervaz Dewan stated that there has been increased tourist footfall in the North East states as a result of earlier ITM held in Guwahati, Assam and Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh.
Chief Minister of Meghalaya Mukul Sangma in his address to the delegates stated that the Northeast region shares an intimate bond with the South East Asian regions.
Perhaps this was said hoping to woo and encourage visitors to the North east region. And this assumes importance keeping in mind the India’s Look East Policy.
Leader of Nagaland team, Himato Zhimomi, Commissioner & Secretary Tourism, in his presentation to the stakeholders stated that Nagaland holds an important place in India’s Look East Policy in view of the National Highway 29 and also the proposed Asian Highway which will pass through Dimapur and Kohima.
He also shared about the possibilities of building and developing the potentials of eco-tourism, rural tourism, adventure tourism, village tourism, cultural tourism and although most of the sister states could also provide such products.
“But the most important thing about Nagaland is its people and the greatest potential lies in the culture of the state where the 16 Naga tribes and other minor tribes reside the length and breadth of Nagaland including Myanmmar, Arunchal Pradesh, Assam and Manipur where the rich traditions and culture can be showcased to the visitors,” Zhimomi said.
The Commissioner Secretary also stressed on community events which he said are important indicators of traditional practices.
Talking about safety and security concerns of visitors, Zhimomi told the gathering that the Nagas are fun loving people.
“Nagaland is perhaps the safest place for women while entry restrictions have all been done away to facilitate visitors, although illegal immigrants is an issue of concern.
Top stakeholders – both in the Government and private sectors took part in the International Travel Mart which is expected to generate curiosity and interests with more tourist footfall.
The 4th ITM will be held in Sikkim in 2015 around November. While Nagaland will host the mega tourism fair in 2017, sponsored by the Government of India. The mega tourism fair is aimed at promotion of tourism in the North East region.
