Northeast promotes itself as potential tourist destination

Rich scenic beauty, exotic flora and fauna, delicious cuisines, indigenous arts and handicrafts. the northeastern states of India have a lot to offer to every visitor. The tourism potential of the region is largely untapped.

With the decline of insurgency, a lot of emphasis is being given to develop tourist destinations and attract more visitors.

Recently, on occasion of the World Tourism Day that was celebrated under the theme "One Billion Tourists, One Billion Opportunities", the northeastern states organized programmes to highlight the growth potential of the tourism sector.

In Nagaland, a special programme was held to commemorate the United Nations World Tourism Day at Peren. The event was marked by songs and colorful dance performances.

Chief Minister T R Zeliang, who was present at the function emphasized on the importance of peace for the tourism sector.

T R Zeliang said, "The highest tourist influx in the Northeast region is in Sikkim. Sikkim is a small state but because of peaceful atmosphere, no underground, no threat-everybody who wants to go to Sikkim doesn't have to think twice. They make a package tour from Delhi, Kolkata, or Mumbai and they go directly to Sikkim. And those who come back from Sikkim, they send a message to the whole world that this small state is the most peaceful state."

Angau Thou, Secretary of Tourism Department, Nagaland said, "Today the theme is "One Billion Tourists, One Billion Opportunities". There has to be inclusiveness. In order to achieve awareness amongst people about the importance of tourism, we should change the mindset of everyone. If you look around these hills, it's all green. Will this not attract tourists to this side? I'm sure it will."

In Manipur, the state tourism department, organised an event at Santhei Natural Park in Andro village.

Different cultural dances, songs, and traditional activities of various tribes were showcased during the programme.

The visitors had a good time enjoying the rich scenic beauty of the village and getting glimpses of the traditional tribal exhibits.

Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh stressed on the need to maintain peace to facilitate greater tourist influx into the state.

O Ibobi Singh said, "We are planning seriously by taking into account everything. Most importantly transportation from Imphal to Andro and from Andro to the neighbouring villages has to be improved for tourists to come here easily. The Indian government has also sanctioned money to develop the tourist spots here. Even our state government and tourism department is taking things seriously to develop Manipur as a tourism hub."

The Manipur Tourism Forum also initiated a mass rally to promote awareness about tourism under the theme 'walk-run-ride for tourism'.

It was flagged off from Khuman Lampak by O Ibobi Singh and concluded at the historic Kangla fort.

Hundreds of people including students, members from Manipur Polo and Horse Riding Association, Manipur Cycle Association, Royal Riders Manipur, and other organizations took part in the mega event.