Chief Minister inaugurating a two day seminar on “Strategy for Tourism Development and Capacity Building in Manipur “ at Hotel Classic.
IMPHAL, April 19 MNS NNN: Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh Friday opened a national level 2-day seminar “Strategy for Tourism Development & Capacity Building in Manipur” at Classic Hotel in Imphal.
Inaugurating the seminar being organized by Manipur Tourism Forum under the sponsorship of the state Government, Ibobi said tourism is one of the industries in the world which is fast growing. He said Manipur attracts tourists from around the globe by its rich art and culture, historical places, traditional game and sports besides being a land where the game of Sagol Kangjei (polo) actually originated.
The Chief Minister also said that it is necessary to develop a condition in the business of tourim to fine tune with the tourists from outside.
He said, “Tourism has to be developed as a long term policy so we need to protect the local environment as well its culture at the most favorable level because a successful tourism should not harm any local way of life.”
Ibobi further suggested that public-private partnership should be opted by both the Government and private stakeholders to promote tourism in the state, assuring that the Government will always help private entrepreneurship that provide jobs to the people and educated youths of the state.
He called upon the people to take benefit of tourism industry which is one of the fastest growing sector in the whole world.
It benefits people and without major investments, people, organisations can involve themselves in this sector he further added. Ibobi said all the potentials of any area or state should be fully utilised to attract visitors he said. As Manipur is the gateway to South East Asian countries there is also a strong possibility of attracting tourists from the neighbouring countries he observed.
M. Prithiviraj, Parliamentary Secretary Tourism said the
Manipur Tourism Forum has done a wonderful work by organising
such a seminar and he expressed assurance to continue supporting the Forum. President of the Forum Dr Dhabali said after the government of India allowed foreigners to visit Manipur and other north eastern states during the last two years numbers of increased have swelled four times. Manipur Chief Secretary, DS Poonia said Manipur should utilise its advantages of rich culture, climate, natural beauty, games and sports and warmly people to attract visitors.
Representatives from various airlines, tourist organisations, North Eastern Council and other states are also taking part in the seminar. In the first session today, RK Nimai chaired a session in which O Nabakishore spoke about Look East Policy, Hrishikesh Midal about hospitality, Dr Kh Palin about health care tourism , Hemant Katoch about war memorial tourism and N Ibungochoubi about eco adventure and ethnic tourism.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/cm-opens-national-seminar-on-tourism/
