Nagaland International Conference on Tourism, Transport & Logistics (NICTTL) will be held at Niathu Resort, Chümoukedima, on February 7 and 8.
The conference organised by Transport & Logistic Committee, Business Association of Nagas (BAN), supported by Ministry of MSME, under the IC Scheme would be held under theme, “Empowering Nagaland, India through Connectivity and Sustainable Development”, bringing together stakeholders from across India and Southeast Asia to discuss sustainable development, infrastructure, and opportunities for collaboration in Nagaland’s Tourism, Transport, and Logistics sectors.
This was announced by convener, BAN’s Tourism Standing Committee, Zubeno Mozhui, at a press conference here on Friday. Highlighting on the upcoming event, Mozhui announced the introduction of Tourism Excellence Awards, which will be presented in three categories, “Best Eco-Friendly Accommodation or Resort”, “Best Community Conservation Practice”, and “Best Tour Operator”. She informed that voting for these awards can be done via a QR code available on BAN’s official Instagram handle, till February 4, 2025.
Dwelling on the rich tourism potential in the state, advisor, BAN, Thangi Mannen, remarked, “Nagaland’s strength lies in its community, nature, and culture. By focusing on these aspects, we can promote responsible and sustainable tourism.”
On Tourism, BAN member, Yanpvuo Kikon, said the conference would include special workshop on digital tools for tourism entrepreneurs.
Dwelling on Logistics, standing committee convener, Logistics, Import/Export, BAN, Inoto Kinimi, pointed that Dimapur holds strategic potential in these sectors but faces significant challenges in infrastructure, market access, and connectivity. He pointed that the conference was aimed to address these challenges.
On funding opportunities, MSME standing Committee convener MSME, BAN, Benthungo Kithan, announced that the conference would include session on funding opportunities for local entrepreneurs where expert from SIDBI, SBI, NSIC, and Government e-Marketplace (GeM Portal), would speak on available financial schemes and guide entrepreneurs on how to access funding.
BAN Executive member, Akum Jamir, in his address described the conference as an ideal platform for educated unemployed youth to explore business opportunities.
Alleging that AirBNB was giving false information about Nagaland hotels and home stays, he encouraged youths to come up with apps for home stays, or pre booking taxis or self ridden vehicles, etc., pointing that BAN was ready to provide linkage to the banks.
When asked whether the conference would be a one-time event, Thangi Mannen, replied that just having a conference one time would be meaningless, and asserted that there should be follow-ups.
When asked about multiple taxation issues affecting entrepreneurs, Akum Jamir, who also heads BAN’s grievance cell, strongly condemned it, and stated, “in the name of underground, in the name of National Political Group, nobody should disturb our youngsters in doing their business”, mentioning that BAN would stand firm to protect business owners from such threats. He however clarified that if any entrepreneur willingly pays underground taxes, BAN will not interfere.