Experts and locals unite to shape Mopungchuket’s tourism future

A roundtable discussion on “Mopungchuket Tourism – From Ideation to Action” was held on Saturday at the MSM Conference Hall, Mopungchuket, organized by the Mopungchuket Community Tourism Society (MCTS). The event aimed to transition the village’s well-established community-based tourism (CBT) model into one that emphasizes individual initiative and entrepreneurship.
Assistant Professor at Fazl Ali College Mokokchung, Dr. Limasenla Jamir, was the resource person for the session. Tailored to the local context, her presentation offered practical strategies for villagers to become active stakeholders in the tourism economy. She highlighted opportunities such as homestay development, cultural storytelling, agro-tourism, guided heritage tours, tea garden experiences and eco-nature trails.
Encouraging participants to align Mopungchuket’s “Clean and Cultural Village” identity with digital readiness and entrepreneurial spirit, Dr. Jamir stressed the importance of training in hospitality, communication, hygiene and first aid. She proposed the formation of a homestay union to ensure equitable guest distribution and emphasized online visibility through popular digital platforms.
The roundtable also explored governance mechanisms, revenue-sharing models and sustainability practices. Dr. Jamir advocated for a transparent tourism fund dedicated to maintenance, training and welfare initiatives.
Additional proposals included training youth as heritage guides, storytelling sessions centered on local legends such as Jina and Etiben, and hands-on workshops in traditional weaving, cooking and craft-making.
For long-term sustainability, she recommended eco-trekking routes, river-based experiences and waste management systems integrated with conservation rules. Skill development through workshops in hospitality and small business management was also discussed.
Participants responded positively, noting that the session helped bridge the gap between enthusiasm and execution by offering actionable steps for individual engagement in tourism.
Dr. Jamir, a scholar and sociologist with a background in journalism and entrepreneurship, brought a unique blend of academic insight and personal connection to the event. Her extensive travels across Nagaland, the Northeast and the Himalayas, along with her role in conservation efforts and creative ventures, enriched the discussion. As a half-Mopungchuket native, her contributions resonated deeply with the local audience.
ABAM Youth Secretary Butesen Ozukum served as the observer for the roundtable, while MCTS convener Limalenden Longkumer shared the concept and objectives of the initiative.
The event concluded with a collective understanding that Mopungchuket’s tourism future lies in harnessing local creativity and confidence within a strong community framework and shared vision.