Department of Tourism Nagaland on Wednesday celebrated ‘World Tourism Day’ under the theme “Sustainable tourism – A tool for development” at the conference hall of the Directorate of Tourism.
Speaking in the programme as guest speaker, Richard Belho (architect), stated that the state government needed to implement proper mechanism to strengthen tourism policy.
To promote tourism in Nagaland, he said the government need to frame policy according to the context of the state and the need of declaring tourist season and off season.
Richard also called upon young entrepreneurs to venture into tourism instead of waiting for assistance from the government. He also spoke on the need of eco-tourism and plan for sustainable tourism.
Deputy director tourism, Ajanuo Belho, who led the programme, read out the message of United Nations World Tourism organization secretary, Taleb Rifai.
The message informed that 2017 World Tourism Day would focus on sustainable tourism- a tool for development, celebrated in line with the 2017 international year of sustainable tourism for development and the day would be dedicated to exploring the contribution of tourism to the sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Lecturer, Martha of tourism studies of St. Joseph College Zakhama, Mezhusieno Beio of Lalhou’s Homestay Kigwema village and representative from Nagaland tourism association also addressed the gathering.
The programme started with prayer said by Mt. Sinai Higher Secondary School Kohima, chaplain, Zaseto Sasu, welcome address was delivered by assistant director Tourism, Sentimenla, special songs were presented by Zawe Thopi and Amos and Ale Metha, while vote of thanks was proposed by deputy director tourism, Kedousie-ii M. Rio.
The Programme was attended by students, NGOs, YOUTHNET members, tourism department staff, Nagaland tourism Association and others.