Kohima: Nagaland observed World Tourism Day on Saturday at the Tourism Department’s conference hall in Kohima, highlighting sustainable development in the sector. The event also honoured local promoters who have contributed to showcasing the state’s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and community-led initiatives.
Speaking at the event, Commissioner & Secretary of Tourism, Arenla Jamir (NCS), said tourism held immense potential for Nagaland, given its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, biodiversity, and the unique blend of nature and culture. She noted that the Hornbill Festival had put the state on the global tourism map by showcasing Naga tribal heritage and attracting visitors from across the world.
Jamir highlighted that village homestays, handwoven textiles, local cuisines, and eco-tourism initiatives were concrete examples of how tourism could empower rural communities, generate livelihoods, and preserve identity.
Emphasising the need for sustainable transformation, Jamir cautioned that unregulated tourism often led to environmental degradation, cultural dilution, and economic disparity. She said Nagaland had the opportunity to adopt a community-based, ecologically responsible, and culturally respectful model of tourism. Sustainable tourism, she added, should aim at preserving forests, rivers, and mountains, protecting tribal traditions and languages, promoting local livelihoods and entrepreneurship, and passing on a thriving ecosystem and culture to future generations.
Outlining initiatives of the department, Jamir said steps had been taken to promote Community-Based Tourism (CBT) through homestays, village tourism, and eco-camps. She added that skill development programmes were being conducted to train youth as tour guides, cultural ambassadors, and hospitality professionals.
Eco-tourism projects were being implemented with strict ecological guidelines, while digital promotion and smart tourism tools like Virtual Reality (VR) were being used to highlight lesser-known destinations. Partnerships with NGOs and international agencies were also being developed to align state strategies with global sustainability goals.
Jamir stressed that sustainable transformation required collective responsibility and not just government intervention. She called for partnerships between departments, communities, private stakeholders, NGOs, and tourists to make tourism in Nagaland sustainable.
Urging youth to become cultural entrepreneurs, she encouraged them to document stories and promote heritage with pride. She appealed to local communities to remain custodians of the land and culture and asked visitors to arrive with open hearts and respect.
During the event, Jamir also launched the official website of the Department of Tourism. The programme was chaired by Additional Director T. Kakihe Sumi, while the UNWTO message from the UN Secretary-General was read out by Assistant Director Vilika Zhimomi. Short speeches were delivered by Neikedolie Hiekha on behalf of the Khonoma Upgrade Programme (UN Tourism 2022), Nino Zhasa, Best Tour Operator Award winner 2024, and Vilasezo Sazo on behalf of Diezephe Craft Village, which won the Ministry of Tourism’s Best Tourism Village in India (Bronze category) 2023.
A special performance was presented by Khriekethono Kere, the vote of thanks was proposed by Deputy Director Lichumo Kikon, and the benediction was pronounced by JAO Khriemenuo Thur.
Awards were also presented in recognition of excellence in the tourism sector. The Majestic Kapamodzu in Phek district received the award for Best Eco-friendly Accommodation, the Kigwema Tourism Board of Kohima district was awarded for Best Tourism Sustainability Practices, and The Experience Naga Kitchen bagged the award for Best Innovation in Sustainable Tourism.
Competitions in essay writing, art, and reels were organised to engage youth and promote creativity. In the college-level essay competition, Keduo-o Kerhüo of Kohima Science College secured first place, followed by Imkonglemla Mollier of Fazl Ali College and Lamgousang of Modern College. Consolation prizes were awarded to Jetei S (Kohima College), Limalemla (Fazl Ali College), and Mutsolü Z Lohe (Japfü Christian College).
In the high school-level art competition, Sedevinuo of Class 10, Mezhur Higher Secondary School, won first prize. Zevi Grace Dukru (Class 10, Don Bosco Higher Secondary School) was second, while Moshomi Nath (Class 10, Mezhur Higher Secondary School) secured third. Consolation prizes went to Emitsulu Mekrisuh (Class 9, Don Bosco HSS), Keviyanuo Whourie (Class 9, Don Bosco HSS), and Chubawala Pongener (Class 10, Northfield Higher School).
In the reels competition, Cievito Rhakho won first prize, followed by Apen Small Village Guy and Asakho Chase. Tanujang also received recognition. Certificates of Appreciation for contributions in promoting tourism in Nagaland through creative and engaging social media content were presented to Keviu Rupreo and Pfuzoto Tetseo.
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