A State Level Consultative Workshop on “Developing Global Standard Tourist Destinations” was held at the Economics and Statistics Department Conference Hall, MINECO, Khatla, under the aegis of the Mizoram Tourism Department. The workshop was attended by Lalnghinglova Hmar, Minister for Tourism, Government of Mizoram. This workshop was organized to discuss the roadmap for Mizoram, in line with the Central Government’s plan to establish at least one world-class tourist destination capable of competing globally in every State and Union Territory across India.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar stated that tourism has immense potential in Mizoram and can significantly contribute to the growth and development of the State and its economy. At the same time, the Minister pointed out that there are several important factors that need to be considered in order to attract tourists and further develop the sector. The Minister emphasized the need to properly inform tourists about various tourist destinations in Mizoram, and the best time and reasons for visiting those places. Commending the Tourism Department for creating the Mizoram Tourism Calendar for this purpose, he invited the attendees to freely share their opinions and suggestions for further development.
Shri Lalnghinglova Hmar further highlighted that tourism benefits not only the destinations visited by tourists but also the surrounding areas and local communities. Therefore, he stressed the importance of outsourcing (engaging those outsides of government employment) and community participation in the tourism sector. The Minister also urged those working in the hospitality and transport sectors to conduct their businesses in a proper, fair and transparent manner, and appealed to the people of Mizoram to preserve and protect the state’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and lifestyle, and to value the tourist destinations within their own state. The Minister stated that such efforts would greatly help in attracting tourists from outside the State and in promoting the tourism sector.
Commissioner and Secretary to the Chief Minister Vanlaldina Fanai remarked that Mizoram is a unique and beautiful destination capable of attracting tourists. However, he noted that the tourism sector in Mizoram still remains a ‘high value, low footfall’ sector. To further develop tourism in Mizoram, Vanlaldina Fanai stated that there is a need to work harder, learn from the best practices of other places, establish good cooperation with local communities, delegate responsibilities as required, and effectively promote the state’s uniqueness.
Welcoming the gathering, Irene Zohlimpuii Chongthu, Additional Secretary, Tourism Department stated that the Central Government aims to establish at least one ‘world-class tourist destination’ in every State and Union Territory across India. She highlighted the steps already taken by the Tourism Department toward this goal and outlined their future plans. Following this, Tourist Officer R. Lalrinchhani gave a PowerPoint Presentation detailing the requirements for becoming a world-class tourist destination.
The attendees then participated in a sharing and discussion session. Subsequently, R. Lalrodingi, OSD to the Chief Minister, concluded the event by stating that the Tourism Department cannot function in isolation from other departments and emphasized the need for continuous inter-departmental cooperation. She also appealed to the people of Mizoram that they should welcome tourists as guests of their own land.
