5th International Tourism Mart kicks off
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 24 2016: The 5th International Tourism Mart for North East Region, 2016 kicked off today with representatives from eight North East States including West Bengal and other foreign delegates at City Convention Centre, Palace Gate, Imphal.

Chief Minister O Ibobi inaugurated the 5th International Tourism Mart in the presence of Vinod Zutshi, Secretary (Tourism), Government of India, O Nabakishore, Chief Secretary, Government of Manipur, Dr RK Bhatnagar, Additional Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Shrevats Sanjay , Regional Director of North East States, Ministry of Tourism, N Ashok Kumar, Secretary, Tourism Department and representatives from the Ministry of Tourism.

The International Tourism Mart is an annual event organized in the North East region with the objective of highlighting the tourism potential of the region in domestic and international markets.

5th International Tourism Mart kicks off

It brings together the tourism business fraternity and entrepreneurs from the eight North East States and West Bengal.

The event will facilitate interaction between buyers, sellers, media, Government agencies and other stakeholders.

Addressing at the inaugural session, Chief Minister O Ibobi stressed on the potential Manipur can offer to the whole world.

"Manipur has a rich cultural heritage.

Raas Leela, Pung Cholom, Thang-Ta, Lai Haraoba, innumerable festivals like Phit Lam, Lui-Ngai-Ni, Gaan-Ngai, Chumpha, Kut etc are celebrated all year round and can attract a large number of tourists," said Chief Minister O Ibobi.

The 5th International Tourism Mart will provide a platform for the State to build cordial relationship and also to create future associations through the business meetings and exposure provided to Manipur tourism.

He added that organizing such mart during Manipur Sangai Festival is an added bonus for the State and will enable to showcase the cultural heritage, folk dances, indigenous cuisines, games and music, adventure sports and natural beauty to tourists.

Further he said that the Tourism Department with the support from the Ministry of Tourism has been working to develop tourists infrastructure by tapping the tourism potential in various parts of the State including the remote areas.

Among the development projects, 'Development of Tourist Circuit : Imphal-Moirang-Khongjom-Moreh' and 'Development of Spiritual Circuit' as part of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme have been initiated.

The Manipur Tourism Policy 2014 has been implemented for comprehensive development, promotion and marketing of Manipur Tourism.

To facilitate tourism infrastructure at its optimum level, the State Government has taken up steps to lease out facilities available under public-private partnership with a view to make them functional and attract tourists, he said.

"Since tourism is one sector through which we can solve our unemployment and economic problems, we hope that we will be able to make the most of the opportunity being provided by the International Tourism Mart," the Chief Minister said.

He then urged all the States to work together and support one another to charm the tourists visiting the North East States with the unparalleled natural beauty, cultural traditions and unique customs.

Buyers and media delegates from around the world and from different regions of the country are participating in the event and one-on-one meetings with sellers from the North East region.

The step will enable the tourism product suppliers from the region to reach out to international and domestic buyers with the objective of promoting tourism in the region.

Vinod Zutshi stated that the Ministry of Tourism has been working in accordance with the Swadesh Darshan Scheme.

The North East States including West Bengal are projected as the best destinations for eco tourism, rural tourism and adventure tourism.

The region can be termed as the 'Navratna' of India Tourism, he said.

The Ministry will invest to bring development in tourism sector.

Road connectivity, air connectivity and inland water ways are also looked into by the Ministry of Tourism.

He added that the 5th International Tourism Mart will provide a platform for all delegates present and stakeholders including the State Tourism Department to boost the tourism sector in the entire North East region and West Bengal.

Special benefit and all possible facilities have been given to all the NE States including West Bengal to develop their tourism infrastructure.

As the North East States have rugged terrain with different ethnic groups settling in different parts of the region, the place can be a hot spot for cultural tourism, eco tourism, adventure tourism and rural tourism, he added.

"All attempts from the Ministry of Tourism have been made for the tourists to visit atleast three or four States when they visit the region," Vinod added.

When mediapersons enquired on relaxation of visa and other restricting permits imposed in the region, he stated that all possible steps will be made to allow both domestic and foreign tourists access the region.

As tourism is one of the many means to provide employment opportunities to the masses, the State has been working relentlessly to avail all the facilities which will bring the tourism industry to the forefront, Chief Secretary O Nabakishore said.

He also said that the Imphal International Airport will be expanded in the coming years to facilitate better air connectivity.