Andro comes alive to World Tourism Day ; CM promises significant growth
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 27 2015: Stating that the State Government has been working hard to make Manipur a popular international tourist destination, Chief Minister O Ibobi has exuded that people will see significant changes in the State's tourism sector in the next couple of years.

Ibobi was speaking at the World Tourism Day observation at Santhei Natural Park, Andro today.

The World Tourism Day 2015 was observed on the theme 'one billion tourists, one billion opportunities' under the aegis of the State Tourism Department.

Chief Minister I Ibobi, Tourism and Sports Parliamentary Secretary M Prithiviraj, MLA Kh Shyamkumar and Government's consultant RK Nimai attended the function as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

Speaking on the occasion, O Ibobi highlighted the importance of tourism industry in the economic development of any State/country.

Preservation of indigenous customs, culture, dance and music and food habits can go a long way in drawing more tourists to the State.

Ibobi highlighted the need to plant more trees and develop Santhei as a natural park which can attract attention of international tourists.

He also called upon the people of Andro and surrounding areas not to disturb ecological balance under any circumstances.

Promotion of bicycle tours around Andro would not only help in maintaining ecological balance but it would also be quite beneficial to health.

Ibobi assured that the State Government would extend all possible assistance to make Santhei Natural Park a popular tourist spot.

The State Government would also develop Imphal-Andro and Imphal-Yairipok roads for the convenience of tourists and local people.

With Kaina set to be developed as a major pilgrimage site, Andro and nearby areas could soon become a popular tourist destination.

Sincerity, hospitality of Andro people and the natural beauty of Andro can be combined effectively to develop the area as an international tourist destination.

Establishment of a library cum museum at Andro for preserving ancient records and artefacts can cater to inquisitive tendency of tourists from outside the State.

Once Andro can capture attention of national as well as international tourists, hotels and other accommodation facilities would come up automatically, Ibobi stated.

A 33/11 KV power sub-station would be constructed soon in order to supply power 24 hours a day.

More tourists to Andro means greater revenue to not only the people of Andro but also the whole State.

Ibobi also underscored the importance of effective coordination between the Government and the general public in order to promote tourism industry in the State.

On the occasion of the World Tourism Day, the Chief Minister released an animation film before unveiling an enlarged replica of the Lonely Planet magazine's cover which featured pictures of Manipur's tourist sites and data.

Parliamentary Secretary Prithiviraj hailed the people of Manipur for successfully developing a natural park which has now captured the attention of a large number of people.

Kh Shyamkumar said that Andro's indigenous beverages namely Kalei and Waiyu are very popular in some countries.

He also urged the State Government to initiate measures so that Kalei and Waiyu can be exported to international markets.

The natural fire which has been burning at Andro since ages is said to be the oldest in Asia.

If people around the world are informed about this natural fire, a large number of international tourists would visit Manipur every year, Shyamkumar said.

Lauding the State Government's decision to observe the World Tourism Day at Andro away from Imphal, RK Nimai asserted that development of sites where different battles of the Second World War were fought can contribute to growth of tourism industry in the State.

It is said that tourists from UK, Japan, Myanmar and Thailand who visited Andro liked Kalei and Waiyu very much.

The World Tourism Day observance also featured cultural dance and music programmes as well as modern concerts.

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