DIMAPUR: A five day Tour Guide and First Aid Training programme organised by the Nagaland Association of Tour Operators (NATO) commenced on August 3 at the Red Cross Conference Hall, Kohima. The training, which will continue till August 7, has brought together participants from across Nagaland with the objective of strengthening the state’s tourism workforce through professional capacity building.
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 and general secretary of the Indian Red Cross Society, Nagaland State Branch, who also serves as advisor to NATO.
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 professionals and stressed the importance of regular capacity building initiatives to meet increasing demand. He noted the steady rise in tourist arrivals across Northeast India and said Nagaland must be prepared with competent tour guides to provide quality visitor experiences.
Gracing the inaugural function, director of Tourism, Veyielo Doulo welcomed the trainees into the tourism fraternity and appreciated their commitment in attending the programme from various districts. Highlighting the immense potential of tourism in Nagaland, he encouraged participants to acquire practical knowledge and professional skills, and to promote awareness about tourism in their communities. He said the sector has the potential to emerge as one of the state’s largest sources of employment and sustainable livelihoods.
The programme concluded with closing remarks by NATO general secretary Veluzo Tetseo, who briefed participants on the schedule and objectives of the training. The intensive programme combines classroom sessions with practical exposure and includes certified first aid training by Kholie Dolf, First Aid Master Trainer of the St. John Ambulance Association, India. Sessions will also cover ecotourism, community based tourism, tourism laws and regulations, guiding etiquette, adventure and wildlife tourism, and visitor management.
As part of the practical component, trainees will undertake familiarisation trips to Kohima, Khonoma and Dzuleke to gain firsthand experience in destination interpretation, heritage appreciation, ecotourism practices and community based initiatives.
