Nagaland joined the global community in observing World Tourism Day on Saturday at the Directorate of Tourism, Kohima, under the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.”
Addressing the gathering, commissioner & secretary, Tourism, Arenla Jamir, underscored the vast potential of tourism in Nagaland, citing the state’s rich cultural heritage, biodiversity and scenic landscapes. She said the Hornbill Festival had placed Nagaland on the global tourism map, while village homestays, handwoven textiles, local cuisines and eco-tourism initiatives were empowering rural communities and preserving identity.
Arenla cautioned against unregulated tourism, which she said could lead to environmental degradation and cultural dilution. She advocated for a community-based, ecologically responsible and culturally respectful tourism model, noting that sustainable tourism must protect forests, rivers, tribal traditions and promote local entrepreneurship.
Highlighting departmental initiatives, Arenla informed that steps had been taken to promote Community-Based Tourism (CBT), skill development for youth, eco-tourism projects with ecological safeguards, digital promotion using Virtual Reality (VR), and partnerships with NGOs and international agencies to align with global sustainability goals.
She called for collective responsibility and urged communities, departments, private stakeholders and tourists to work together for sustainable tourism. Encouraging youth to become cultural entrepreneurs, she appealed to visitors to respect the land and its people.
Arenla also launched the official website of the Department of Tourism during the programme.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by additional director, T. Kakihe Sumi. UNWTO message by UN secretary-general was read out by assistant director, Vilika Zhimomi. Short speeches were delivered by Neikedolie Hiekha (Khonoma Upgrade Programme), Nino Zhasa (Best Tour Operator Award 2024), and Vilasezo Sazo (Diezephe Craft Village—Best Tourism Village in India, Bronze category 2023).
Special number was presented by Khriekethono Kere. Vote of thanks was proposed by deputy director, Lichumo Kikon, and benediction by JAO, Khriemenuo Thur.
Awards were presented to: Majestic Kapamodzu, Phek district – Best Eco-friendly Accommodation; Kigwema Tourism Board, Kohima district – Best Tourism Sustainability Practices and The Experience Naga Kitchen – Best Innovation in Sustainable Tourism.
Competitions were held in essay writing, art and reels to engage youth.
Essay writing (college level): 1st: Keduo-o Kerhüo (Kohima Science College); 2nd: Imkonglemla Mollier (Fazl Ali College) 3rd: Lamgousang (Modern College) and Consolation: Jetei S (Kohima College), Limalemla (Fazl Ali College), Mutsolü Z Lohe (Japfü Christian College)
Art competition (high school level): 1st: Sedevinuo (Class 10, Mezhur HSS); 2nd: Zevi Grace Dukru (Class 10, Don Bosco HSS); 3rd: Moshomi Nath (Class 10, Mezhur HSS) and Consolation: Emitsulu Mekrisuh, Keviyanuo Whourie (Class 9, Don Bosco HSS), Chubawala Pongener (Class 10, Northfield Higher School)
Reels competition: 1st: Cievito Rhakho; 2nd: Apen Small Village Guy; 3rd: Asakho Chase and Recognition: Tanujang. Certificates of Appreciation were presented to Keviu Rupreo and Pfuzoto Tetseo for promoting tourism through creative social media content.
NDPP 14th Southern Angami-I A/C
The NDPP Party of the 14th Southern Angami-I Assembly Constituency, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Government of Nagaland, observed World Tourism Day on September 27 at Kisama Heritage Village under the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.”
As part of the observance, a social work programme was conducted at the heritage site, which was personally inspected by Additional Director of Tourism, T. Kakihe Sumi. He reiterated the department’s commitment to maintaining Kisama Heritage Village to meet the expectations of visiting tourists.
The NDPP party expressed appreciation to the state government under the leadership of chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio for its sustained efforts in promoting sustainable tourism at the grassroots level. More than 100 party workers participated in the social service initiative.