The two-day Nagaland International Conference on Tourism, Transport & Logistics (NICTTL), which was held at Chümoukedima on February 7 & 8 bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, business stakeholders, and international dignitaries from Bhutan and Japan, has pledge to launch a responsible tourism awareness campaign to promote sustainability and environmental consciousness through awareness programmes at various levels.
NICTTL 2025, organized by the Business Association of Nagas (BAN) held, focused on the dynamics of sustainable tourism, with an emphasis on Nagaland’s core strengths—Community, Nature, and Culture (CNC).
During the conference, deliberations explored innovative strategies to promote responsible tourism, foster sustainable logistics, and enhance regional connectivity.
The discussions highlighted the need to expand Nagaland’s tourism landscape beyond conventional circuits, making it more inclusive, meaningful, and immersive. The emphasis was on providing tourists with deeper cultural and learning experiences that benefited local communities economically while contributing to the preservation of heritage and natural ecosystems.
Additionally, adventure tourism—including Mountain biking (MTB) and off-road 4×4 driving—was identified as an area with significant potential.
The focus, however, remained on sustainability and carbon-neutral initiatives to ensure eco-friendly tourism while maintaining the ecological balance.
Interactive sessions covered key aspects of business digitalization, transport system regulation within the state, and strategies to enhance competitiveness with neighbouring states.
Discussions also addressed the need for greater transparency in the government’s allocation of subsidized vehicles to tour operators. Further, experts from leading financial institutions provided insights on leveraging government schemes and expanding digital market access to empower Nagaland’s entrepreneurs.
KEY OUTCOMES
-Launching a responsible tourism awareness campaign to promote sustainability and environmental consciousness through awareness programmes at various levels.
-A standardized code of conduct will be established, aligning with the National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism (2022) issued by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
-Structured training programmes and incentive-based initiatives to be introduced in collaboration with government agencies and relevant organizations to enhance service quality and sustainability.
-BAN partners with Zone by the Park for hospitality training and property development with local partners.
-Formation of Empowered Eco-Tourism Board in line with Ministry guidelines, to oversee sustainable tourism development, policy implementation, and stakeholder coordination.
-BAN to collaborate strategically with Green Hub to promote community-driven responsible tourism initiatives and skill development programmes with participation in the upcoming Responsible Tourism Conclave, calling for interested entrepreneurs.
- A collaboration with the Responsible Tourism Society of India will further strengthen these efforts.
-International Partnerships & Business Linkages include exploring business possibilities and entrepreneurship exchange programmes with Japan to foster innovation, investment, and knowledge-sharing through private sector collaboration.
-B2B networking between the Bhutan Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI) and BAN aiming to enhance cooperation in tour guide training, as well as cultural and business exchange programmes.
-BAN, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, will organise an event dedicated to Adventure Tourism, capitalizing on Nagaland’s potential in this sector.
Talking to Nagaland Post, BAN tourism committee convenor, Zubeno Mozhui, explained that BAN was acting as a facilitator for Naga entrepreneurs.
With the help of delegates and industry experts, Mozhui said they were providing opportunities for local businesses, particularly in areas like ecotourism, by connecting them with training and resources.
To benefit from those services, she said that individuals needed to become BAN members, which required being a registered Naga business owner.
She informed that BAN had partnered with the State Bank of India to help 1,000 entrepreneurs with loans, adding that BAN was standing guarantor.
The convenor stated that conferences, such as the one on tourism and logistics, were part of BAN’s ongoing efforts to support local industries by connecting them with experts and financial opportunities.
Mozhui stated that Japan had limited knowledge of Nagaland due to factors like the Restricted Area Permit and lack of information. However, she said they were interested in boosting tourism and building business linkages.
She urged local entrepreneurs to come forward with clear needs so BAN could help them connect with potential international partners. Asked about the policy changes or support needed from the government, BAN advisor and former secretary tourism, Thangi Manen, lamented that government representatives did not attend the entire session, although the secretary of tourism was a panellist.
She, however, expressed hope that media outlets would help keep the government informed. Manen informed that BAN would follow up with the government to discuss the issues and push for support in promoting tourism potential in the state.
She underlined the importance of government involvement and active support in those sectors. With regard to training modules for structured programmes, BAN advisor explained that the focus would be on making tourist destinations more sustainable and eco-friendly. She said that one major concern raised by participants was plastic pollution.
In this regard, she pointed out the need for behavioural change among both tourists and service providers. She said that the training would aim to foster a sense of responsibility among both visitors and service providers, encouraging them to work together in maintaining a clean, eco-friendly environment.
Menen also emphasised the importance of respecting local culture and nature to ensure that the destinations remained attractive and sustainable.
She disclosed that BAN was also working to secure the support of other NGOs and partners for collaboration. However, Manen said the main focus was on instilling responsible tourism ethics among both service providers and tourists.
Regarding certification, BAN advisor hoped that those who completed the training would receive certification, as implementing the training was just as important as learning itself.
She emphasized that successful implementation of the training would be key, and if done correctly, participants would likely receive certification.
Asked to comment on the two-day conference, a local entrepreneur stated that the conference was a valuable opportunity for tour operators and tourism entrepreneurs like himself.
He said that as a tour operator he saw the conference as an eye-opener and a great encouragement, especially for young entrepreneurs. He appreciated the involvement of professionals, including trained adventure guides and bird watchers, and found the platform helpful in connecting stakeholders from various sectors, such as transport and logistics.
Another aspiring business entrepreneur said the conference was a holistic experience, offering valuable insights into schemes and resources that were previously unknown to him as an aspiring entrepreneur.
He also appreciated how the sessions made attendees aware of various schemes that were often overlooked. One of the key highlights, he said was learning how to create a website, register on platforms like MakeMyTrip and Google Maps, and use AI tools for website design skills that were previously unfamiliar to him. He hoped that more such conferences would be organised to foster learning, risk-taking, and accountability in business.