Manipur observes World Tourism Day

Our Correspondent Phayeng, sep.27 (EMN): With the theme “Sustainable Tourism- a Tool for Development”,the World Tourism Day was held at this picturesque village,10km west of Imphal town. State’s Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Revenue Minister Karam Shyam was the chief guest of the observation.Speaking on the occasion, Minister Shyam said Phayeng is an appropriate location to celebrate World Tourism Day as the village is rich in natural beauty. He also said that the welcome accorded to him following the age old traditions and customs with men and women of the area wearing the traditional dress is in line with the theme of the observation. He lauded the locals for preserving the culture and traditions of our forefathers and said that it is heartening to be sitting at the dias(stage) along with the Kullakpa (Village Head) of Phayeng who is wearing the traditional dress. Karam Shyam highlighting the contribution of Tourism in the economy said the sector accounts for 10% of global GDP and has generated 1 in 10 jobs in the global workforce. He said it is unfortunate that the State is unable to tap the full potential of the natural beauty which is blessed with green forest cover and rare species of flora and fauna. The Minister said to boost tourism, the State should become tourist friendly, provide a secure environment by improving the law and order situation. He called upon the citizens of the State to help the Government in making Manipur a favoured tourist destination. He also said water harvesting structure will soon come up at Lamphel and land encroachers will be evicted after giving suitable notice, following the law of the land. Chairman Sapam Ranjan Singh of the Tourism Corporation Manipur Limited said that marketing in an important constituent needed to boost tourism. Stating that emphasis is being given to promote rural tourism, Ranjan said in the upcoming Sangai Festival homestays will be promoted to unable the tourists to experience the lifestyle of the people. In his speech, MLA Heikham Dingo Singh of sekmai said that the State is rich in arts and culture and tourism can reach its full potential if the locals collaborate with the Government. He also said for the State to develop, the villages must be developed first. As part of World Tourism Day, the locals of the Phayeng village performed cultural dances of Khou Chongba and Chakpa Phayeng Anoiba jagoi. Mukna demonstration enthralled the spectators along with Waa (bamboo) Chingba. The locals of Phayeng also submitted memorandum to minister Karam Shyam.