Key Highlights 

• International Tourism Mart highlights the tourism potential of the region in the domestic and international markets
• The delegation includes students from across the country as part of a study tour under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat
• Presentation by State Governments and discussions on several aspects of tourism and unique tourism products in the North East Region and their potential will also be part of the Mart

Chief Minister of Nagaland  Neiphiu Rio, Minister of State for Tourism & Defence, GoI  Ajay Bhatt, and MLA & Advisor Tourism, Government of Nagaland   H Khehovi Yeputhomi jointly inaugurated the three day long 9th International Tourism Mart for the North East Region at Kohima, Nagaland today. Secretary Tourism, GoI   Arvind Singh, ADG Tourism, GoI   Rupinder Brar, and other dignitaries of Central government and the North Eastern States were also present on the occasion. The objective of the event is to highlight the tourism potential of the region in the domestic and international markets. The coffee table book on Nagaland was also launched on this occasion. Department of Tourism, Government of Nagaland  & Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI) signed MoU for the operations of SIHM.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister of Nagaland  Neiphiu Rio expressed the hope that the International tourism Mart in Kohima will give a boost to the tourism and business sector not only in Nagaland but the entire Northeast. He also hoped that North East will become a favourite destination in the country for tourism and business. While pointing out that the tourism sector has been greatly affected by the pandemic, he thanked the ministry of tourism for organising the event in Kohima.

Ajay Bhatt said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed from the Red Fort that everyone should visit North East, it has immense tourism potential. The simple nature and hospitality of the people here are incomparable, which I am experiencing myself, he said. Tourism and culture complement each other. If our culture is rich, then tourism is the best way to know and understand this richness.

 Bhatt added that in this Tourism Mart we are emphasizing on domestic tourism. About 75 sellers from the Northeast and about 50 buyers from the country are participating in the Mart. “Many parts of this region are still untouched from the point of view of tourists. There is a huge potential of Border tourism and wildlife tourism”, he added.

Speaking on the occasion  Arvind Singh said, “International Tourism Marts is biggest travel and tour networking event in the North Eastern Region of the country.

 Singh added that Travel & Tourism is one of the world’s largest economic sectors, creating exports and prosperity around the world. The Indian Tourism sector has emerged as one of the key drivers of growth for the Indian economy.  Arvind Singh further said that as Prime Minister has stressed the need of introducing the students to the rich culture and heritage of North Eastern Region, today in this event we have students participating from all over the country.

The event was attended by the High Commissioner, Brunei Darussalam, High Commissioner, Malaysia, Ambassador Extra Ordinary, Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Ambassador, The Socialist Republic of Vietnam, amongst other attending dignitaries and diplomats.

  The three-day event will be attended by over 300 delegates including government officials, industry stakeholders, and local participants.  

In addition to these, the event also includes presentations by state governments on their tourism potential and a vibrant exhibition by State Tourism Departments from the North-Eastern region to showcase the tourism products of the respective participating states. Various engaging discussions on several aspects of tourism and unique tourism products in the North East Region and their potential are also a part of the event.

To further enrich the experience of the participants, the Ministry has organised a visit to Kisama Heritage Village, Kisama War Museum and Morungs, Khonoma Village and Kohima World War II War Cemetery. The visiting delegation will be familiarised with the local community, local art and culture, and the rich heritage of Nagaland.

The International Tourism Marts are organised in the North Eastern States on a rotation basis. Nagaland is hosting this Mart for the first time. The earlier editions of this Mart have been held in Guwahati (Assam), Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh), Shillong (Meghalaya), Gangtok (Sikkim), Agartala (Tripura), and Imphal

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