Nagaland tourism dept in process to revise state tourism policy

Our Correspondent
Kohima | September 28

Nagaland’s tourism secretary Nchumbemo Lotha said that Nagaland state tourism department is in the process to revise the State Tourism Policy and to be notified soon.

“This State Policy will be as per the National Tourism Policy but we are revising it, which will be relevant for our state,” Nchumbemo said while addressing World Tourism Day at Tseminyu on September 27.

The last Nagaland state tourism policy was adopted in 2001.

In the policy, one of the important decisions will be to integrate vernacular architecture into all tourism assets and infrastructural projects to reflect Naga architecture, heritage fostering sustainable design, he said.

He said that the department will collaborate with tribal hohos to gather traditional architectural designs that represent each tribe's unique identity.

“The Department will also ensure that all new tourism infrastructure and developments, such as lodges, cultural centers, and rest areas, incorporate traditional Naga architecture. Further, it will maintain a balance between modern amenities and preserving the authenticity of the architectural designs,” he said.

The department will also work towards afforestation and preservation of the varied traditional flora and faunas in its pursuits towards the tourism industry.

The Department will also preserve and protect Nagaland's natural and cultural heritage sites and traditional villages, implement sustainable practices to conserve the environment and promote responsible tourism.

He said the policy will ensure to promote tourism activities that have minimal negative impact on the environment, culture, and heritage of Nagaland, while maximizing the positive socio-economic benefits for local communities.

The Department will also brand Nagaland as a Tourist Home & Green Destination for which special thrust should be imparted towards promotion of Village or Rural Tourism and Homestay in rural areas and small settlement which are the treasure trove of our natural and cultural wealth.

For this, a Village Tourism Development Board will be established in all the rural tourism villages so that it will create Nagaland as a Green Destination or Eco-Tourism for investment looking at the aspects of the wellbeing of local people, and cultural heritage is protected for more meaningful tourism in our state, he said.

The secretary said that the department also proposes to plan and develop all the hotspots where tourism potentials are available in the state.

Domestic tourists range from 97,000-1,25,000 per year in Nagaland

Nchumbemo said that Nagaland is endowed with rich cultural and traditional heritage historical attraction and beautiful landscape making it a beautiful tourist destination.

“The available tourists' statistics show that during the last 5 years, the number of domestic tourists has ranged from 97,000-1,25,000 per year, while foreign tourists have ranged from 2000-5000 approximately, so far,”  Nchumbemo said while delivering keynote address during World Tourism Day in Tseminyu town on September 27.

He said that Govt. of India-UNDP Project had also remarked that tourism is considered a booming sector for unexplored Nagaland.

He said that Nagas by virtue of their existence are placed amongst the most scenic and natural environment.

“With the distinction of being located within the eighteen bio-diversity hotspots of the world, with rich flora and fauna, both wild and cultivated, Nagaland is an ideal place for trekking, jungle camping and offers limitless exploration potentials for a plethora of medicinal herbs and plants,” he said.

The conceptualizing and materialization of the Naga Heritage Village at Kisama, the annual Hornbill Festival and adoption of Khonoma as the first Green Village in the country has generated livelihood and employment opportunities in the tourism sector, he said adding that the concept of rural home stay packaged together with adventure, cultural and eco-tourism is fast catching up in Nagaland.