Governor Nand Kishore Yadav inaugurates Polo Hotel Kohima on October 24. (Morung Photo)
Polo Hotels Group opens first chain property in state
Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 24
Adding another feather to the cap of hospitality sector in Nagaland, Polo Hotel Kohima with fifty-six rooms capacity was formally inaugurated by Governor of Nagaland Nand Kishore Yadav on October 24.
This Polo Hotel, located towards Aradurah Hill, the first chain hotel to open in the State, is part of Polo Hotels Group.
Addressing the grand opening, Yadav said that the inauguration of a new hospitality establishment is not merely the opening of a hotel; it represents an investment in the future of the region, the creation of livelihood opportunities, and a commitment to welcoming visitors with warmth and professionalism.
“As Nagaland continues to attract greater attention as a tourism destination, the need for quality accommodation and professional hospitality services becomes increasingly important,” he said and described the establishment of Polo Hotel Kohima as a welcome development.
A well-managed hotel can play an important role in supporting tourism, facilitating business activities, hosting official and social engagements, and providing a comfortable experience for visitors to our state, he said.
“Tourism is not merely about attracting visitors; it is about creating meaningful experiences while ensuring that local communities benefit from the opportunities tourism generates. The growth of this sector can stimulate entrepreneurship, promote local products, create employment for our youth and strengthen the economic prospects of the state,” he said.
Stating that Hornbill Festival has become an important platform for showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Nagaland to visitors from across India and abroad and Kohima, with its historical significance, scenic surroundings and cultural vibrancy, has considerable potential to emerge as an attractive destination for leisure travellers, cultural enthusiasts and business visitors alike, he said “Quality hospitality infrastructure can contribute meaningfully to realising this potential.”
The Governor also encouraged the management of Polo Hotels Group to build strong linkages with local entrepreneurs, artisans, farmers, food producers and service providers.
Nagaland Tourism & Higher Education Minister Temjen Imna Along, Commissioner & Secretary for Tourism, Kovi Meyase, Deval Tibrewalla, CEO & Whole-Time Director, Polo Hotels Group and Kishan Tibrewalla, Founder & Chairman, Polo Hotels Group also spoke at the programme.
The valley is the first thing guests see at Polo Hotel Kohima. The glass-house lobby opens onto the valley, and the infinity pool and rooms overlook the valley and the city.
The hotel draws on Naga building traditions, with tribal artwork and woven textiles in every room; the Mithun block's roof pays homage to morungs. Its restaurant, Tring Tring, is the group's 1990s-themed diner (third location after Shillong and Calcutta), serving a seven-course Naga menu plus Oriental, Western, and Indian cuisine.
The hotel arranges visits to WWII heritage sites, Khonoma village, and Dzükou Valley, and the Hornbill Festival (first ten days of December) is within reach.
Polo Hotels Group was founded in Shillong in 1991 and is headquartered in Kolkata, operating properties including Polo Towers Shillong, Polo Resort Cherrapunji, Polo Hotel Agartala, Polo Floatel Kolkata, Polo Hotel Kohima, and Chapter Lakeside in Tripura, with restaurant brands Tring Tring, Dylan's Café, Aviator Café, and ML05 CAFÉ.
