Two day national seminar on tourism kicks off
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 18 2022:
A two day national seminar on 'Sustainable Tourism in North East India' was inaugurated today at NG College, Imphal.
As per a statement, the seminar has been organised by the Political Science Department, NG College and Centre for Alternative Discourse Manipur.
Delivering his inaugural speech, the Vice Chancellor of Manipur University Professor N Lokendra Singh stressed on the need for alternative tourism that is not to be based on mega modern infrastructure but on a sensitive process of tourism that is region and community friendly.
He further stressed on the need for eco-friendly tourism as an essential aspect of the economy for which people need to prepare themselves to deal with tourists and visitors.
As the people in the region in general and Manipur in particular are protective of themselves and their identify, there is a need for understanding the significance of tourism without compromising the region's diversity and distinctiveness, he stated.
The vice chancellor also took the example of Southeast Asian countries who have adopted region and context specific tourism roadmap.
Waikhom Ibohal, MCS, Director, Department of Tourism also spoke on the prospects and challenges of tourism in Manipur.
He revealed how the Government was committed to eco-friendly tourism to uphold the aspects of conservation of natural biodiversity and incredible water bodies like the Loktak lake.
The government has adopted a system of ecology friendly infrastructure in sensitive areas like Shirui, location of ancient caves and Loktak lake, etc.
said the director.
The recommendations of the seminar are to be of great source for policy perusal, stated the director.
Ashok RC, principal, NG College, applauded the concept of the seminar as it was integral to modern economies.
Manipur was endowed with natural beauty, flora and fauna and community cultural practices, said the principal.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr Mangoljao Maibam, seminar convenor.
He underscored the challenges and prospects of tourism in the region.
The convenor stressed on the significance of a sustainable tourism that was considerate of the region's biodiversity and indigenous economies.
Six technical sessions will be conducted during the two day seminar.
Scholars, policy makers and academics from various universities across India are expected to place their views and papers in the two day proceedings.
Scholars from Karnataka University, Delhi University, Nagaland University, Sikkim University, Manipur University, Dhanamanjuri University and Mizoram University are set to present their papers on tourism.