Correspondent
KOHIMA, OCTOBER 30
A new plush hotel, de Oriental Grand, was inaugurated here in Kohima at Themezie, High School Road by the Chief Minister, TR Zeliang on Thursday.
The hotel, a joint venture of Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu’s family under the umbrella of Oriental Group of Hotels Ltd. has 30 guestrooms including two grand suites and two mini suites, a boardroom for 25 people, a 300 seating capacity conference hall, a 24-hour coffee shop and a sprawling parking lot.Speaking at the grand opening, the Chief Minister lauded the efforts and vision of the proprietors in opening a new chapter for tourism development to cater to the hospitality sector in Nagaland. He expressed hope that the new hotel will go a long way in bridging the critical gap in accommodation facilities that is especially felt during the state’s annual Hornbill Festival which sees a huge influx of tourists.
Zeliang also feels that hotels like de Oriental Grand are much needed in the state to accommodate trained Naga youth who have undergone various courses in hospitality and management sector and had to work outside the state so far. He expressed hope that the establishment of the new hotel will inspire the race towards better hotel standard in the state capital.
Also, while stating that Nagas are known for their hospitality and the Nagaland is blessed with a lush landscape and pleasant climate, the Chief Minister however pointed out that these two advantages are not enough to attract tourists or to make tourism an industry. He said the state is presently facing shortage of hotels, particularly in Kohima, to accommodate tourists during the festive season. Towards this, he underscored that proper hotels are needed to accommodate tourists to make them feel comfortable.
Chairman of the Oriental Group of Hotels, Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu, in his brief address remarked that it took five years to complete the de Oriental Grand building. He acknowledged the contributions of all those who were involved in making the dream for the accommodation establishment possible.
It was highlighted that future plans for the hotel include opening an Asian food restaurant, a Naga cuisine restaurant, a restro-lounge, a gym and a spa with health cafe.
With the objective to fuse Naga hospitality with world-class hospitality, the de Oriental Grand will be attempting to set a benchmark with an exclusive quality of service and management. All the rooms in the hotel will have modern features including satellite TV, internet connectivity and other basic necessities.
The opening function was attended by a host of ministers, parliamentary secretaries, MLAs, bureaucrats, family and well wishers.
