The Nagaland Tourism Association and Ziro Tourism Organisation have jointly called for the mandatory engagement of certified local tourist guides to promote responsible, community-based tourism across the Northeast.
DIMAPUR — Members of the Nagaland Tourism Association (NTA), currently on a familiarisation tour to Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya under a capacity-building programme, met with the Ziro Tourism Organisation (ZTO) in Arunachal Pradesh's Lower Subansiri district and jointly advocated the mandatory engagement of certified local tourist guides to promote responsible tourism across the Northeast.
According to an NTA update, the delegation has already visited Namsai and Pasighat as part of the tour, which aims to explore the tourism potential of the region while strengthening cooperation and partnerships among tourism stakeholders in neighbouring states.
The meeting, held on July 17 at the residence of ZTO chairman Hibu Tatu, focused on the important role of local tourist guides in enhancing visitors' experiences.
Both organisations emphasised that tourist guides are more than route navigators, describing them as ambassadors of their destinations who create lasting impressions through their knowledge, professionalism and hospitality. They noted that guides often serve as the first point of contact for visitors and play a key role in shaping perceptions of a destination.
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The discussions highlighted that certified local guides are instrumental in interpreting the history, culture, traditions and natural heritage of their respective destinations.
Their expertise, the organisations said, enables visitors to gain a deeper understanding of local communities while encouraging respect for indigenous customs, traditions and the environment.
Recognising the need to further improve tourism standards in the Northeast, ZTO chairman Hibu Tatu, NTA president Vimeto Vakha and NTA general secretary Veshehu Kezo jointly called for the mandatory engagement of certified local tourist guides.
They said such a measure would help preserve cultural authenticity, enhance visitor safety and create sustainable employment opportunities for local youth, thereby contributing to community development.
The meeting concluded with both organisations reaffirming their commitment to strengthening collaboration for the growth of sustainable and community-based tourism in the Northeast.
They also pledged to promote responsible travel practices that protect the region's rich cultural and natural heritage while ensuring inclusive and long-term economic benefits for local communities.