Tapping untapped markets

Kohima’s three-day ITM highlighted the region’s tourism potential in the domestic and international markets. Majority of this region is unknown to tourists with huge scope in border and wildlife tourism.

Nisha Verma

Ajay Bhatt, MoS, Tourism & Defence, inaugurated the three-day long ninth edition of the International Tourism Mart (ITM), for the North East Region, at Kohima, Nagaland alongside Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister of Nagaland, and H. Khehovi Yeputhomi, MLA & Advisor Tourism, Government of Nagaland. Also present on the occasion were Arvind Singh, Secretary, Tourism; Rupinder Brar, ADG, Tourism; and other dignitaries from the central government and North Eastern states. The objective of the event is to highlight the tourism potential of the region in the domestic and international markets.

The event was attended by over 300 delegates, including government officials, industry stakeholders, and
local participants.

He also stated that through the programme, 50 students from various parts of the country will have the opportunity to learn about and understand North East India this year. “I would also like to ask the ambassadors of different countries to motivate the tourists of their countries to visit. The govt. is doing a lot for the development of tourism in the NE. To prepare the infrastructure, the government of India has sanctioned funds in the NE states under the “Swadesh Darshan” and “Prashad” schemes. Under the ‘Swadesh Darshan’ scheme, 16 projects have been approved in the North-East, which have been completed or are nearing completion. He also appealed to state governments to celebrate Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav with great enthusiasm.

He added on the second day, “The Northeast region is endowed with diverse tourist attractions and each state has its own distinct features. Attractions are scattered over the entire region and are largely located in remote areas within a highly fragile environment. The North East has huge potential for adventure and eco-tourism.

Neiphiu Rio expressed his hope, saying, “The ITM in Kohima will give a boost to the tourism and business sector not only in Nagaland but the entire North East. The North East will become a favourite destination in the country for tourism and business. North Eastern India’s rich natural beauty, serenity, and exotic flora and fauna are invaluable resources for the development of tourism, particularly eco-tourism. The facilities for tourists to stay, eat, shop and enjoy entertainment are improving tremendously. ”

On the second day, the state tourism departments of Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim, and Tripura gave presentations on their tourism potential and products. Following that, experts discussed various aspects of tourism and unique tourism products, including the potential of rafting, trekking, and road expeditions; the potential of fairs and festivals for tourism in the NER; and the potential of food and wine tourism in the NE.

A coffee table book on Nagaland was also launched. The event would allow tourism product suppliers from the region to reach out to domestic buyers to promote tourism. Domestic buyers will be engaging in business-to-business meetings with sellers from the NE Region as well.