A view of the Shilloi Lake located in Lütsam Village under the Meluri sub-division of Phek district. Landlocked between hillocks, the lake is abundant in natural resources, and is especially known for its fishing spots. It also attracts a large number of migratory birds like Siberian Cranes, and is a well-known place for bird watching in the state. (Photo Courtesy: Facebook/AlderToursandTravels)
Alder Tours and Travels observes World Tourism Day
Morung Express News
Kohima | September 27
Even with more COVID-19 restrictions being lifted now and several businesses starting to pick up, the tourism industry, which is among the worst hit sectors during these two years of the pandemic, will take a while to fully start operating. This was reiterated on the occasion of World Tourism Day observed by Alder Tours and Travels at its Kohima office on Monday afternoon.
John Meyase, Consultant for the World Bank aided Nagaland Education Project, who was the resource person for the occasion, remarked that “unlike other businesses, which are opening up now, tourism will still take some time. It is the worst hit and at the same time, it will take the most time to start.” But while the industry has faced a lot of hardship, he noted that tourism has a lot of impact on everything as a driving force of economy and with everybody directly or indirectly connected with tourism.
Resource person John Meyase with members of Alder Tours and Travels in Kohima on September 27.
Bringing in his experiences of working in Bhutan as a Management Consultant for one of the premier business houses engaged in tourism and hospitality, he highlighted that although Bhutan is a small place, they are way ahead of Nagaland in respect of tourism while citing clear evidences of the flourishing tourism industry in Bhutan.
While Nagaland state has a long way to go, he however said, “We have a lot of potential” with people now looking at new places to travel to, having seen most of the popular destinations across India. Towards this end, he said that the role of tourist guides and agents is very important as they become the brand ambassadors for Nagaland. “You are there representing all of us”, he said.
Further emphasizing on “professionalism,” he said, “I am sure in Bhutan, they were also very rustic like us, but when it comes to work, they are very professional!” In the meantime, he also dwelt on the benefits of being a multilingual guide and encouraged tourist guides to learn as many languages as possible. “Knowing a new language also gives you a lot of opportunities as well and especially in tourism, it helps a lot. It's never too late to learn. You need to keep upgrading yourself,” he articulated.
Tourism, Meyase also believes, plays a great role in solving human conflicts cutting across several issues and problems as tourism brings about more understanding. “Through tourism, we can bridge that issue because the more we know the experiences and ways of others, the less threatened are we by our differences.” This, he felt is more important than the impact of tourism on economy.
He further said that domestic tourism is a big thing while citing that “if you travel and go to understand another tribe, it will go a long way in changing our society.” He also touched upon the importance of conservation and eco-tourism potential in the state.
In his welcome address, Kevichulie Meyase, Proprietor of Alder Tours and Travels highlighted why he chose “Alder” for a name. He said the contribution of alder trees to farmers and cultivators is undeniable, and also in terms of supplying nitrogen to the soil and the use of the alder trunk as firewood by farmers. “We want to continue to do whatever little good to the community”, he said.
Alder Tours and Travels, he added has spread its wings over the last 18 years to cater to every walk of life and especially in the fields of adventure, cultural tours and experience tours.
Highlights of the event included invocation by Kolhuvi Meyase while Senele Magh chaired the programme.
