Kiphire, August 30(MExN): Intending to explore the tourism potential in the border districts of India and to create awareness about the lesser-known destinations across the country, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) launched its Border Tourism Webinar Series on August 27 with special focus on Kiphire district.
Addressing the webinar, Former Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Vinod Zutshi said that the scope of Border Tourism is immense if promoted and marketed well, a press release from PHDCCI stated.
Talking about the potential of Border Tourism in Nagaland, Zutshi said that Nagaland is the land for inhabitant diversity of tribes with its unique culture and heritage. There are lots of villages in the border areas of Nagaland and especially Kiphire district which gives an overview of the Indo-Myanmar border and the state tourism department can look at promoting tribal tourism as majority of travellers arrive during the Hornbill Festival, he said.
He further said that the tourism board and district administrators need to work towards enhancement of road and air connectivity, upgradation of tourist infrastructure and ease of access in terms of permissions. He also emphasized that there is a need to bust the misconception that Nagaland is an unsafe destination to travel to with lot of digital and social media campaigns.
While talking about the geographical strengths of Nagaland, Joint Secretary for the state Tourism department T Yanpvuthung Kikon mentioned that festivals, nature, adventure and culture are the main aspects of tourism promotion in the state. He apprised that the state is providing incentive for tribal festivals and capitalizing on festivals to boost tourism.
Stating that Kiphire district has abundant varieties of natural attractions and it can be a potential hotspot for adventure, eco, cultural and rural tourism, he also informed that the department is developing trekking paths and adventure sports around Mount Saramati, which is the highest peak in Nagaland. Considering the strategic location of the district, Kiphire has the potential to become the centre for international trade and tourism, he added.
Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, Nehjamang Simte highlighted that the Ministry has a North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) sanctioned by the Government of India to focus on projects relating to infrastructure creation concerning water supply, power and connectivity and thereby enhancing tourism. He informed that as on date total 9 projects are ongoing in the tourism sector in Nagaland.
He also talked about the various skill development programmes which are helping to generate local employment in the district. He emphasized the need to improve last-mile connectivity, digital marketing, and hotel and road infrastructure.
According to Rama Kamaraju, Senior Consultant, NITI Aayog, Kiphire district has performed extremely well over the last two years which has shown transformation in all parameters of the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP). He emphasized that the potential of tourism is high in Nagaland especially for domestic and inbound tourists. He mentioned that NITI Aayog is confident that Kiphire district will be one of the most visited tourist destinations in the near future.
While giving an overview on the tourist attractions of Kiphire district, Extra Assistant Commissioner, Kiphire Ane Khieya shared that the district has immense potential for Border Tourism. However, major challenges exist in terms of road infrastructure, supporting services such as private hotels, economic backwardness, lack of tourism education amongst the locals, underdevelopment of cross-border trade. Capitalizing on the enormous Border Tourism potential in Kiphire, through the concerted and collaborative effort of all stakeholders i.e. the government, private industry and local communities will go a long way in contributing to the development of the border villages and the district as a whole, Khieya added.
Chairperson of North East States Chapter, Indian Association of Tour Operators, Nirmalya Choudhury talked about the need for good road connectivity, accommodation and internet connectivity which will promote tourism in the state. He mentioned that training of local youth should be facilitated as it will help them in becoming tourist guides thereby generating employment opportunities.
Similarly, A David Solo, President, Nagaland Tourism Association, emphasized the need for promoting Village Tourism in the state as real Nagaland lies in the villages. He mentioned that the Government has to keep in mind the sentiments of local people in mind while formulating the policies and it should be aligned with existing structure.
Highlighting the challenges of the hospitality sector in Nagaland, Seyiekhrielie Natso, Secretary, Nagaland Hotel and Restaurant Association, mentioned that hotels and restaurants are main stakeholders of tourism but economically it is not viable to have hotels in remote areas. Tourism in Nagaland is at a nascent stage and there is a need to develop road connectivity, homestays to facilitate tourism.
Earlier in his welcome address, Pradeep Multani, Senior Vice President, PHDCCI, mentioned that improving socio-economic status of border districts, especially aspirational districts, are one of the priorities of the Government of India. Talking about the Focus State – Nagaland, he said that the state has been extremely successful in promoting the Hornbill Festival, which attracts Indian and foreign tourists alike. Among all other industries that the central and state governments are trying to promote, Sustainable Tourism has the upper hand, for it is the only way for progress and eco-friendliness to walk hand-in-hand, he added.
Meanwhile, Rajan Sehgal, Co-Chairperson of PHDCCI’s Tourism Committee said that over the years, Nagaland has been through a lot of ups and downs; but this has been a blessing in disguise for it has preserved the beauty, natural wealth and the overall sanity of the place. Today, as India’s North-East is making rapid economic progress and carving out a corridor into South-East Asia, Nagaland is standing on the threshold of an economic boom, he added.
