A two-day seminar on “community-based tourism and eco-tourism” was organised by the International Border Area Peoples Welfare Organization (IBAPWO) on January 19-20 at GBs Hall, Pungro Town, Kiphire. A press release by IBAPWO stated that the seminar’s objective was to involve women, students and youths under Pungro and Khongsa block in promoting tourism and eco-tourism as a part of its ongoing project, “Convergence of Conservation & Sustainable Livelihood using technological solutions for communities living around Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary,” funded by Ministry of Science and Technology, New Delhi under SEED division.
In his address, IBAPWO co-principal investigator, Y Makezho said that the main objective of the seminar was to involve the local communities in tourism industry. He encouraged the participants to make the most of all the opportunities and put it into practice.
Resource person, proprietor of Pier Tours and Nagaland Association of Tour Operations president, Kejaroko Pieru highlighted the importance of eco-tourism. He deliberated on converting eco-tourism as a source of livelihood while also briefing the participants on hospitality, rural homestays, rural way of living, return of investment, ideation, marketing among other topics.
Resource person, member of Kiphire District Tourism Association, Kiozhe Yimchunger highlighted the gathering on his experience as a professional guide. He also shared some of his best practices of becoming an “excellent” tour guide.
The chairperson of the meeting, IBAPWO, Project Director, N Apong informed that the participants would be given an opportunity to summit Mt. Saramati as a part of intense tracking activity.