An innovative programme “Israel, land of creation”, to showcase the Holy Land, was organised by Israel Ministry of Tourism in association with Nagaland Hotels Ltd, Travellers Express Club and Nagaland Baptist Church (NBCC) at Hotel Japfu on Thursday evening.
The programme aimed at attracting Christian pilgrims to Holy Land of Israel. Parliamentary Secretary for Industries and Commerce Amenba Yaden attended the programme as guest of honor.
Addressing the programme, Amenba thanked Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMoT) for opening an opportunity for people of Nagaland to visit the country. He said that by visiting Israel, the stories of the Bible would become more reality for Nagas.
Asserting that Nagaland was a land of tribal’s consisting of various tribes, Amenba invited Israelites to witness Hornbill Festival during first week of December to promote tourism.
Stating that Israel being scientifically advanced country, he urged IMoT officials to take initiatives for collaborative agri-technology project for Nagaland.
In his brief speech, director tourism Purakhu Angami expressed his desire to work with IMoT to boost tourism sector in the state. He said that Hornbill Festival might be reduced to a week.
NBCC general secretary Rev. Dr. Zelhoou Keyho said there were similarities between Nagas and Israelites as Israel was known as “land of God” while Nagaland being Christian majority state.
Asserting that many Nagas might not have visited Isreal, he expressed gratitude to IMoT officials for giving an opportunity to Nagas to visit the country.
Director India, IMoT Hassan Madah said that 40,000 tourists from India visited Isreal every year.
Director of Marketing of India IMoT Judah Samuel said Israel is a country that has preserved and maintained everything that related to Christianity.
The programme was chaired by president TII Bukchem Phom. Executive secretaries from various tribal churches, government officials and others attended the programme.