Tourism in Nagaland sees slow but steady growth

Eastern Mirror Desk
Dimapur, Jan. 25: Tourism in Nagaland has, over the years, played a major role in boosting the economy and infrastructures of the state; created jobs, and led to overall growth and development. It also helped in conserving and showcasing Nagaland’s rich culture to the world.

To commemorate tourism nationwide, the National Tourism Day is celebrated every year in India on Jan. 25 in a bid to raise awareness on the importance of tourism to the country’s economy.

“Let us work together to maximise the potential of #tourism in driving economic growth, protecting the environment, promoting inclusive and sustainable development and a life of dignity for all. #Nagaland #LandOfFestivals,” read Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s tweet.

Nagaland has quite a lot in store for tourists to explore owing to the state’s rich culture, and assorted festivals, and proximity with international boundaries; and interesting places to visit.

Tourism department in Nagaland was formed in the year 1981 when it was bifurcated from the department of Information and Public Relations. Since then, tourism has been experiencing a slow but steady growth. The available tourists’ statistics show that during the last five years, the number of domestic tourists has ranged from 52,000-65,000 per year, while foreign tourists ranged from 2000-5000 approximately. The state government, having realised the importance of tourism for the socio-economic development of the state, has declared tourism as a ‘priority sector’ under the State Industrial Policy of Nagaland 2000. (Direct inputs from Nagaland Tourism department’s webpage)

While talking to Eastern Mirror on Friday, the Deputy Director of Tourism department, Veyielo Doulo, said that the department will be bringing up variety of events this year and maintained that the tourists will increase during the mini Hornbill festival that has been implemented by the government around the state.

About the inflow of tourists in the state, Doulo stated that there were 86,127 domestic tourists and 4,811 (approx) foreign tourists in 2018 (as shown in Table 1).

Meanwhile, during 2017, there were 63,362 domestic tourists and 4,765 foreign tourists.

Hornbill Festival recorded a whooping 251701 visitors in total— 2702 foreign, 37397 domestic, and 211602 local visitors—in 2018 (as shown in Table 2).

“The department expects more tourists than the previous years because every year, there is an increase in its number,” said Doulo while adding that the department is not facing any problems or difficulties currently.