Panel discussion during 9th International Tourism Mart for North East region in Kohima. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | November 29
A three day long 9th International Tourism Mart for North East region under the aegis of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India with Nagaland government as host concluded this evening in Kohima.
The three day long International Tourism Mart highlighted the tourism potential of the region in the domestic and international markets.
International Tourism Mart, which is held on rotational basis in the north eastern states, was held for the first time in Nagaland from November 27 to 29.
Vibhava Tripathi, Additional Director General (ADG), Ministry of Tourism said the three day event has been very successful. This is first time after the pandemic that buyers from around the country and the sellers from the North Eastern states have come together, he said.
On Nagaland specific, he said the state requires lots of skill development in tourism sector and assured that the Ministry will surely come back to give the required training.
On tourism infrastructure development, Tripathi said the ministry will support the state with all possible amenities to promote tourism in Nagaland and the North East region.
On the last day of the International Tourism Mart, the delegates visited 2nd World War Cemetery, Kohima, Puliebadze and Khonoma.
Mentionably, the ITM was jointly inaugurated on November 27 by Ajay Bhatt, Minister of state for Tourism & Defence, Government of India, Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister of Nagaland and. H Khehovi Yeputhomi, MLA and Advisor Tourism, Government of Nagaland.
This 9th ITM was in continuation to the Tourism & Culture Ministers Conference of North Eastern Region held during September 2021 in the state of Assam, which was an effort to deliberate and discuss the way forward for tourism in the North Eastern region.
This 9th edition of the Mart put the spotlight on "Domestic Tourism". Besides deliberations on the promotion of tourism in the North East Region in general, the Mart also gave a platform for promoting cultural ties, providing enhanced connectivity to the States of North Eastern Region with other parts of the country. The event facilitated interaction between buyers, sellers, media, government agencies, and other stakeholders. The delegates also familiarized with the local community, local art and culture, and the rich heritage of Nagaland.
