Capacity building on tour guide, homestay held in Kiphire

KIPHIRE — The Department of Tourism and the Nagaland Tourism Association (NTA) organised a capacity-building and training programme on tour guiding and homestay at Hopongkyu Memorial Hall, Kiphire, on Monday.

The capacity-building programme, coinciding with the Mungmung festival of the Sangtam tribe, witnessed enthusiastic participation from youths across various villages in Kiphire district.

In his keynote address, S Peter Trakha, senior tourist officer, highlighted that while the government had previously not prioritised tourism, this sector now presents significant livelihood opportunities for the youth.

Emphasising on the importance of local community participation in tourism development, the tourist officer said that the department aims to support tribal communities in fostering sustainable development rather than merely sponsoring activities.

He also advised the participants to focus on creating purposeful and meaningful contributions to the industry.

K Aliba Sangtam, president of the United Sangtam Likhum Pümji (USLP), in his welcome address, expressed gratitude to the department for organising such a programme in Kiphire.

Kejaroko Pieru, president of the Nagaland Adventure Tourism Organisation (NATO), who led the first session on the potential of tourism in Nagaland, pointed out that the tourism industry, especially ecotourism, holds immense potential in the state and can generate significant employment opportunities.

He also discussed the various natural and cultural resources that could be leveraged to attract tourists, and the importance of preserving these resources to ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry.

The second session, led by NTA president Vimeto Vakha, delved deeper into the practical aspects of tourism. He spoke extensively on the profession of tour guiding, explaining the skills and knowledge required to succeed in this field. Vakha emphasised that tour guides must not only be knowledgeable about the history, culture and geography of their regions but also possess excellent communication skills and the ability to engage and entertain tourists.

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Vakha also spoke on the business of homestay, a growing segment in the tourism industry. He provided insights into how local families can set up and manage homestays, offering tourists an authentic experience of Nagaland’s culture and hospitality.

He outlined the benefits of homestay for both hosts and guests, and provided practical tips on how to create a welcoming and comfortable environment for visitors. Vakha encouraged participants to consider homestay as a viable business model that could complement the broader tourism industry, offering a steady source of income for local communities.

In addition, the NTA president urged the participants to make the most of the opportunities available in the tourism sector. He noted that tour guiding and homestay management are professions where one can earn while enjoying the richness of Nagaland’s landscapes and culture. He concluded by emphasising the importance of continuous learning and adapting to the evolving demands of the tourism industry to ensure long-term success.

Longtili C Sangtam, a guide from the Nagaland Tourism Association, also shared his experiences. He inspired the participants by citing the example of Singrep Adventure, an initiative started by Atsungba Sangtam in Kiphire. He encouraged them to prioritise learning before earning, to establish a sustainable and long-term revenue model.

The programme concluded with an interactive session where participants engaged with the speakers, seeking advice and clarification on various aspects of the tourism industry. This session allowed participants to voice their concerns, share their ideas, and gain further insights into how they can contribute to and benefit from the growing tourism sector in Nagaland.