Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, Law and Justice Yitachu speaking at the seminar for ‘quality tourism management for hotels and food services in Dimapur on Saturday, September 17. (Morung Photo)
Dimapur, September 17 (MExN): The hospitality industry comprises a major part of the tourism sector; which in Nagaland has remained significantly underdeveloped. But with tourism gaining prominence in Nagaland, hotel owners here are finally showing signs of waking up. Hotel and restaurant owners met today in Dimapur at a seminar on ‘quality tourism management of hotels and food services’ with the hope of bringing change, and meet challenges that plague the hospitality industry in the State. Organised by the Nagaland Hotel and Restaurant Association (NHRA) and supported by the Ministry of Tourism (Regional Director), Government of India and the Department of Tourism, Government of Nagaland, the seminar was inaugurated by Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, Law and Justice, Yitachu.
In brief reports presented by NHRA units, the units lamented first and foremost on the poor road conditions which is hampering the hospitality industry and tourism as a whole. President, NHRA Kohima N Theyo said that there has been considerable fall of tourist flow into Kohima due to the pathetic road conditions. He said that booking have been cancelled on many occasions leading to huge financial losses for the hotels. Theyo also brought up the problem of water scarcity in Kohima due to which many hotels have poor sanitation facilities. He said hotel owners are unable to buy water which comes at a very high price. Stating that proper sanitation is very important to facilitate tourism, he urged the government to look into the matter.
President, NHRA Mokokchung MR Rai pointed out that the small town of Mokokchung is slowly gaining prominence in the tourist road map. He said the town has great potentials and that many young entrepreneurs are working towards giving boost to tourism. He urged the government to extend help to such entrepreneurs and also set up good tourism infrastructure in the district.
Proprietor of Hotel Kent, Dimapur Hekiye Sema said the hotel and restaurant business in Nagaland is not new and several restaurants have made a name for themselves- pointing out the likes of Breeze and Plaza. He said that despite the political and social turmoil in Nagaland, people have to create interest for outsiders to visit. He gave the instance of Sikkim which is now, perhaps, one of the most preferred tourist destinations in the north east. He said discipline is a way forward in promoting tourism people in Nagaland must prove themselves in order to boost tourism.
The two days seminar will focus on entrepreneurship, investment and management of hotel industry and tourism. Topics on ‘duties and responsibilities of hotel and restaurant management;’ ‘housekeeping, cooks, reception and services;’ and ‘environment concerns and sustainability in hospitality industry’ will be discussed. The resource persons are PK Dong from Sikkim and SP Bhattacharya, Principal, IHM Guwahati. It may be mentioned here that this seminar is first of its kind in Nagaland exclusively for hoteliers. A seminar on ‘responsible tourism’ for stakeholders in the tourism industry was held earlier this year in Dimapur. One can only hope that such initiatives will bring about some needed changes and improvements in the hospitality sector.
In brief reports presented by NHRA units, the units lamented first and foremost on the poor road conditions which is hampering the hospitality industry and tourism as a whole. President, NHRA Kohima N Theyo said that there has been considerable fall of tourist flow into Kohima due to the pathetic road conditions. He said that booking have been cancelled on many occasions leading to huge financial losses for the hotels. Theyo also brought up the problem of water scarcity in Kohima due to which many hotels have poor sanitation facilities. He said hotel owners are unable to buy water which comes at a very high price. Stating that proper sanitation is very important to facilitate tourism, he urged the government to look into the matter.
President, NHRA Mokokchung MR Rai pointed out that the small town of Mokokchung is slowly gaining prominence in the tourist road map. He said the town has great potentials and that many young entrepreneurs are working towards giving boost to tourism. He urged the government to extend help to such entrepreneurs and also set up good tourism infrastructure in the district.
Proprietor of Hotel Kent, Dimapur Hekiye Sema said the hotel and restaurant business in Nagaland is not new and several restaurants have made a name for themselves- pointing out the likes of Breeze and Plaza. He said that despite the political and social turmoil in Nagaland, people have to create interest for outsiders to visit. He gave the instance of Sikkim which is now, perhaps, one of the most preferred tourist destinations in the north east. He said discipline is a way forward in promoting tourism people in Nagaland must prove themselves in order to boost tourism.
The two days seminar will focus on entrepreneurship, investment and management of hotel industry and tourism. Topics on ‘duties and responsibilities of hotel and restaurant management;’ ‘housekeeping, cooks, reception and services;’ and ‘environment concerns and sustainability in hospitality industry’ will be discussed. The resource persons are PK Dong from Sikkim and SP Bhattacharya, Principal, IHM Guwahati. It may be mentioned here that this seminar is first of its kind in Nagaland exclusively for hoteliers. A seminar on ‘responsible tourism’ for stakeholders in the tourism industry was held earlier this year in Dimapur. One can only hope that such initiatives will bring about some needed changes and improvements in the hospitality sector.
Only 279 rooms for tourists
Two of the biggest towns in Nagaland- Kohima and Dimapur- have only 279 rooms that can accommodate tourists visiting the State, Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, Law and Justice Yitachu revealed at the hoteliers meet in Dimapur today. The numbers include hotel rooms (private and government owned) as well as privately owned paying guest accommodations. With the Hornbill festival approaching, this is definitely a big concern for the government. The numbers do not include small hotels and lodging facilities that are found in the nook and corners of the towns. The problem with the small numbers is that the government cannot certify all hotels. A certain standard has to be maintained in order to certify a hotel,” Yitachu said. He said the figures are a reminder that hotels in Nagaland need to pull up their standard and quality. “Reassess your facilities like sanitation, security…leave no room for compromise on the standard to your hotels,” he said. He added that their achievements will also inspire young entrepreneurs to enter the hotel business in future.
Yitachu further remarked that there have been many predicaments due to which Nagaland is devoid of proper hotels and accommodations. However, he said that the State is undergoing a time of peace and encouraged hoteliers and restaurant owners to make optimum use of this time. He said that bringing permanent peace for development lies with the public. He said, “The goodwill and opinion of the public is essential for the government to regulate things.”
On the government’s initiatives to boost tourism, Yitachu pointed out that department is in the process of identifying places of interest which tourists can visit. He said that the government is working sincerely to develop tourism in the State, and for this he also urged the private players to extend cooperation. He said that all organisations associated with tourism industry like tour and travel operators, taxi associations, hoteliers, etc, should work together to boost the tourism sector in Nagaland. “One organisation alone cannot transform the tourism industry,” he said. He hoped that the seminar will be a new beginning for the hospitality industry.
Yitachu further remarked that there have been many predicaments due to which Nagaland is devoid of proper hotels and accommodations. However, he said that the State is undergoing a time of peace and encouraged hoteliers and restaurant owners to make optimum use of this time. He said that bringing permanent peace for development lies with the public. He said, “The goodwill and opinion of the public is essential for the government to regulate things.”
On the government’s initiatives to boost tourism, Yitachu pointed out that department is in the process of identifying places of interest which tourists can visit. He said that the government is working sincerely to develop tourism in the State, and for this he also urged the private players to extend cooperation. He said that all organisations associated with tourism industry like tour and travel operators, taxi associations, hoteliers, etc, should work together to boost the tourism sector in Nagaland. “One organisation alone cannot transform the tourism industry,” he said. He hoped that the seminar will be a new beginning for the hospitality industry.
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