Imphal, April 21 2009: THE TEN-DAY long tourism extravaganza, Tourism Festival, 2009 and Best of Asia Expo, organised by the Tourism Department of Manipur, which begun on April 12 at the Southern Extension of Kangjeibung was winded up today with a glittering function.

The valedictory function of the much anticipated festival was graced by the Chairman of the Chorus Reper tory Theatre, Dr Ratan Thiyam, Tourism Secretary of Manipur BB Sharma, IAS; and Advocate General of Manipur, N Koteshore, Counselor of Royal Thai Embassy, Tharadol Thongru Ang, and Colonel AS Oberoi as the Chief Guest, President and Guests of Honour respectively.

Delivering a speech, noted theatre personality of International fame and the day's Chief Guest Ratan Thiyam stressed on the need to lift certain Acts which deter foreigners from visiting the state.

Wanting to know the government's viewpoints on attracting tourists in the state, Ratan suggests that tourism is the only means to improve the condition of the state.

Sharing his dream of a prosperous Manipur as a theatre personality, Ratan Thiyam expressed his desire to even organise Theatre Festival in the state which will be not possible without initiative and assistance of the Manipur government.

Speaking on the occasion, Counsellor of Thai Embassy, Tharadol Thongruang said that tourism can generate income largely if it is implemented as a major policy.

He said that tourists from other parts of the world would surely be filled with admirations if tourist spots of Manipur like Loktak Lake were shown to them.

Thongruang said that the economy of the state will also be largely boosted through the hotel sector.

He also indicates his willingness to offer his service for the development of tourism in Manipur.

Meanwhile, indigenous food item, Bora and Thai dishes were the show stoppers and show stealers during the festival.

As such, Mutum Asharani food Stall, a stall which provided Manipur indigenous food item Bora and Thai Food Court were the most popular stalls providing food and eatery items to visitors who thronged the festival venue during the ten-day long festival.

Walking home richer with their sells, the owner of Mutum Asharani Food said that the stall earned around Rs 8000 to 10,000 a day during the festival while the Thai Food Court, which trades on treating the taste buds of visitors with Chicken and Pork Soup apart from making Thai Fried rice, variedly generates an income of Rs ten to fourteen thousands a day.

It may be recalled that several traditional dances, indigenous games and sports, displaying indigenous handloom and handicraft products, carrying out expedition at Shirui Hills and Khangkhui Cave, and of course, putting on display indigenous foods and foreign foods were part of the festival that was, held with much fun and frolic.

Indeed, the festival was a treat for the eye, ear, and taste buds for every visitors who had, at least once visited the venue.

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