Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 27 2009:
As celebrated all over the world, the World Tourism Day was celebrated in the state too under the aegis of Tourism Department today.
The celebration was graced by Tourism Minister TN Haokip, Chairman of the Manipur Tribal Development Corporation (MTDC) T Manga Vaiphei and Tourism Commissioner BB Sharma as chief guest, guest of honour and president respectively.
Addressing the celebration held in the conference hall of Hotel Imphal under the theme 'Celebrating Diversity', Tourism Minister TN Haokip appealed to all concerned not to put up any hindrance in the efforts to bring a progressive Manipuri society.
Giving the key-note address of the function, Tourism Commissioner BB Sharma said that the Government would be developing an eco-park at Nongmaiching hills shortly followed by opening of a golf course there.
Moreover, necessary actions have been initiated to launch integrated rural tourism, integrated tourism destinations, publicity and promotion campaign of tourism, establish hotel management institutes and upgradation of Hotel Imphal to the status of 4-star hotel.
TN Haokip said that Manipur though in small in geographical area, has immense potential in tourism sector.
However, efforts to develop tourism sector have been often derailed because of impediments caused by some elements.
This was also affecting ecology of the state, TN Haokip said.
The Minister appealed to all concerned not to put up any hindrance in the efforts to make Manipur peaceful and developed state.
MTDC Chairman T Manga Vaiphei said that even as Manipur is endowed with natural beauty and tourists wished to visit the state, they were reluctant to come to Manipur because of the incessant violent activities.
This is a tragedy for the state, he noted.
Later the chief guest distributed prizes to the winners of the quiz competition organised by Tourism Department on September 25 .
Prof RK Ranjan of Manipur University and Editor of the Imphal Free Press Pradeep Phanjoubam presented papers as resource persons.
The celebration culminated with presentation of dance and music by different cultural troupes.