11-point Action plan adopted
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 16 2011:
A State Level Consultation on, "an Initiative Encouraging Responsible Tourism by Engaging Stakeholders in Manipur" held at Classic Hotel here today has adopted an 11-point action plan.
Organised jointly by Ereima Gender Empowerment & Resource Centre (EGERC) and Centre for People's Concern in collaboration with Impulse NGO Network, Shillong and supported by UNGIFT, the event was attended by Minister of Tourism TN Haokip as chief guest and Commissioner (Art and Culture), Government of Manipur Dr RK Nimai as president.
The 11-point action plan adopted at the end of the consultation include making a draft policy on tourism public and gather public opinion by organising district level consultations in all districts before its finalisation at the State level, enactment of the policy on honourable and safe tourism and creation of a State level Review Committee of stakeholders including civil societies, community leaders, academia, women leaders, faith based organisations and hospitality sector in the light of National Policy on Voluntary Sector, 2007 .
Furthermore, the action plan pointed out that the theme of the State Tourism policy should be on 'Sustainable just peace and development' and the Govt should initiate pre-emptive capacity building measures for women and children by increasing economic opportunities and increasing educational opportunities for both women and children.
Development and protection of historical sites and local communities responsibly, protection of Intellectual Property Rights of the traditional, indigenous and natural resources of Manipur, promotion of local specific tourism models, etc are also among other points highlighted in the action plan.