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Our Correspondent
Kohima, Oct. 21 (EMN): Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Thursday inspected the Naga Heritage Village at Kisama to oversee the preparations ahead of the International Tourism Mart (ITM) and Hornbill Festival 2021.
He told the journalists that the people were ‘excited’ about the upcoming events.
"We are getting a lot of contacts and we are aware that almost all the hotels are booked," he said.
Though there will be some restrictions because of the pandemic, he assured that those who have pre-booked and are fully vaccinated will be allowed to attend the events. "The only question is accommodation," he said.
"I hope Airbnb is taking initiative. I have not seen the report of the Homestays," he added.
Further, the chief minister maintained that the Tourism department was working relentlessly and 'doing a good job'. He added that things would improve and with the one-year gap of Hornbill Festival due to the Covid-19 pandemic, ‘there will be more enthusiasm’.
Amid speculation on the possibility reducing the days of this year’s Hornbill Festival celebration, the chief minister said: "Judging the prevailing conditions of the positive cases, I think we have come down below the permissible limit and we should be comfortable".
“We are hopeful that the full time Hornbill Festival will be held,” he added.
Further, he informed that the state government's High Power Committee (HPC) meeting will be held and reports from all the districts and departments will be drawn.
He added that by the end of this month (October), proper standard operating procedures (SOPs) will be out and the number of days for Hornbill Festival celebration will be decided.
Rio, who was accompanied by advisors and legislators Dr. Neikiesalie Kire, Medo Yhokha, Mmhonlumo Kikon and other dignitaries from the Tourism department, briefed the officials during the inspection.
Rio also directed the Tourism and other line department officials to ensure timely completion of works as the ITM is scheduled from November 28 to the 30th, a day before the Hornbill Festival kicks off.