IMPHAL, September 27: The law and order situation of Manipur must improve to attract more tourists in the State and to earn more revenue from tourism, stated Youth Affairs & Sports/Tourism parliamentary secretary M Prithviraj Singh at the observation of the World Tourism Day in Andro Community Hall. The event being observed under the theme `Tourism and Community Development ` is jointly organized by Manipur Tourism Forum (MYF) and Department of Tourism in association with the Andro Khunou Leikai Youth Sporting Club.
The bad law and order situation has kept tourists away from the State and only a well concerted effort from the people can increase the number of tourists in Manipur, he said.
Prithviraj highlighted that the Trans Asian Highway which passed through the State would develop the tourism sector of Manipur so people must try to grape the opportunity with both hands.
Now, Myanmar and Manipur are sharing a cordial relationship and lots of tourists are visiting the state. Moreover, lots of patients from Myanmar rush to the State as the health service system in their country is abysmal when compared to Manipur.
Asserting that the State government is working hard to start the Imphal to Mandalay bus service soon as possible, he stated that lots of people will soon visit the State after the bus service starts and the tourism sector will benefit a lot.
It is the time that the people of the State must give an emphasis on rural/ local tourism because if the bus service and international fight starts many foreigners will visit, he adds. Foreigners will be longing to stay in the local houses instead of staying in hotels to get a taste of the local cuisines, he said.
Mutua Bahadur, art enthusiast and archivist said that Eco Tourism Policy was enacted many years ago but was enforced only in the year 2009.
He also stated that Andro has the potential to develop the tourism industry in the State.
The president of Manipur Tourism Forum (MTF) and the director of tourism Shyamlal Poonia also attended the function.