Mopungchuket holds tourism workshop to mark 25 yrs of MCTS

Mopungchuket Community Tourism Society (MCTS) organised a one-day workshop on July 4 at Longrangtenem Park, Mopungchuket village, under the theme “Reflect, Reconnect, Reimagine” to mark 25 years since its inception in 2001.
The event brought together 22 stakeholder groups including the village council, church bodies, women and youth leaders, teachers, students, SHGs, and cultural organisations.
In his opening remarks, MCTS convener Limalenden Longkumer said the workshop aimed to review achievements and challenges over the past 25 years and to chart a new roadmap for community-driven tourism development.
Resource person Amba Jamir, policy and development strategist, described the event as a day of reflection and revival. He highlighted the importance of having a shared vision for Mopungchuket’s holistic development. He underlined the core of Community-Based Tourism (CBT)—where tourism is led and owned by the local community, promoting cultural preservation, sustainability, and fair benefits for all.
He said CBT is built on identity, values, and lived experiences—not on grand infrastructure. “Tourism will not come because of buildings, but because of who we are,” he added.
Amba stressed the need to revive indigenous farming practices, support women’s roles, and preserve cultural knowledge. He also pointed out challenges such as lack of resources, declining youth engagement, few homestays, and loss of authenticity.
During the programme, participants were divided into groups to propose solutions in areas like management, revenue generation, and preserving cultural identity. The event concluded with a pledge by all stakeholders to work towards reviving tourism in Mopungchuket.
The workshop was supported by Er. R. Lobosang Jamir, Additional Chief Engineer, Department of Power.