IMPHAL, September 27: The message on the importance of peace to promote tourism in the state was strongly put forward during the World Tourism Day observation organized by the Department of Tourism, Government of Manipur. The theme of this year’s World Tourism Day was “Tourism & Sustainable Energy: Powering Sustainable Development”.
The occasion was graced by Chief Minister of Manipur, O. Ibobi Singh as the Chief Guest and along with him were Francis Ngajokpa, Minister of RD & PR, Manipur, as the Guest of Honour and Dr. Rajesh Kumar, IAS, Commissioner (Tourism), Government of Manipur as the President.
Frachis Ngajokpa in his speech explained that he doesn’t deny the fact that Manipur has a wide scope in tourism industry and the need of sustainable energy for tourism industry in Manipur but asserted that that peace in the state is the one thing in priority that is required for tourism industry to grow.
He further said that if there is peace in the State people will automatically flock in because law and order is the biggest reason why people do not want to come to Manipur. He said that each individual is responsible for bringing in peace in this State.
The Chief Minister in his speech also expressed the need for peace to prevail in the State for tourism industry to grow and the problem that even private investors face in order to establish industries in the State is security.
He further agreed the need of energy such as electricity and communication and transport in the State will greatly make a great impact in tourism industry. He also explained that due to the financial constraints, the government have not been able to promote tourism industry either.
However, the Department of Tourism is continuously making efforts to make tourism a vibrant sector like the proposal for upgrading the airport to international level is in the talks and that water availability especially in Greater Imphal will be met.
The programme also had resource person speaking on the theme. They agreed that tourism is one of the biggest economic sectors. Tourism promotes inter-relation between people and that it brings society closer together.
Sustainable development and sustainable energy comes together and that it takes a long term strategic planning with the participation of all the nations.
The importance of tourism industry especially in Manipur was expressed by the resource persons as the state lacks in giving employment to its youths and that tourism will create employment opportunity for the people.
Meanwhile, sweets were distributed for those who arrived at Turihal Airport today with booklets of tourist guides and other materials concerning with tourism in India organized by India Tourism, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. Later on, India Tourism celebrated the day at its office premises.