Officials and participants during the inaugural programme of the five-day tour guide and first aid training programme at the Red Cross conference hall, Kohima on August 3.
Kohima, August 3 (MExN): A five-day tour guide and first aid training programme organised by the Nagaland Association of Tour Operators (NATO) commenced at the Red Cross conference hall, Kohima on August 3.
The training, which will continue till August 7, has brought together participants from different districts of Nagaland with the objective of strengthening the state’s tourism workforce through professional capacity building, stated an update received here.
Delivering the presidential address, NATO President Kejaroko Pieru highlighted the objectives of the training and underscored the growing need for skilled human resources in Nagaland's tourism sector. He observed that the state continues to face a shortage of trained tourism professionals and stressed the importance of organising regular capacity-building initiatives to meet the increasing demand. He also noted the steady rise in tourist arrivals across Northeast India and said Nagaland must be adequately prepared with competent and well-trained tour guides to provide quality visitor experiences.
Gracing the inaugural function of the training program, Director of Tourism, Government of Nagaland, Veyielo Doulo, welcomed the trainees into the tourism fraternity and appreciated their commitment in attending the programme from various parts of the state. Highlighting the immense potential of tourism in Nagaland, he encouraged participants to make the most of the training by acquiring practical knowledge and professional skills. He further urged them to return to their respective communities and promote awareness about tourism, stating that the sector has the potential to emerge as one of the state's largest sources of employment and sustainable livelihoods.
The intensive training programme combines classroom sessions with practical exposure and includes certified first aid training to be conducted by Kholie Dolf, First Aid Master Trainer of the St John Ambulance Association, India, and Managing Committee Member of the Indian Red Cross Society, Nagaland State Branch. Participants will also attend sessions led by experienced professionals from the tourism industry and government departments covering topics such as ecotourism, community-based tourism, tourism laws and regulations, professional tour guiding, guiding etiquette, adventure tourism, wildlife tourism, and visitor management.
Earlier, the inaugural programme was chaired by Vimeto Vakha, President of Nagaland Tourism Association (NTA), while invocation was offered by Akhale V Khamo, Retired Director of Tourism, Government of Nagaland, General Secretary of Indian Red Cross Society, Nagaland State Branch, and Advisor to NATO.
The programme concluded with closing remarks by NATO General Secretary Veluzo Tetseo, who briefed participants on the schedule and objectives of the five-day training and wished them a productive and successful learning experience.
As part of the practical component, trainees will undertake familarization trip to Kohima, Khonoma and Dzuleke, where they will gain firsthand experience in destination interpretation, heritage appreciation, ecotourism practices and community-based tourism initiatives.
