IMPHAL, November 22: The government is trying its best to develop tourism and improve the law and order situation in the State, said Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh during a seminar on tourism development trip sponsored by the Tourism department at the Sangai hall, Hotel Imphal by The Classic.
The national seminar was organised by the Manipur Tourism Forum under the theme `Manipur- explore, expand, excite.`™
He elaborated improvement in the law and order situation will mean more tourists, and until and unless the law and order situation improves, there will be no development on the tourism front.
The Chief Minister continued that with serious concern over these factors, the government is trying to develop tourism in the State.
The government has already acquired an additional 600 acres of land for the expansion of the Imphal airport by paying reasonable compensation to the farmers, which the airport authorities have lauded as a kind of history in the country, he continued.
He said acquisition of the land for the airport expansion is for the betterment of the future generation, although the State government faced many hurdles in the process.
He said even then the government is trying to accommodate the affected families of the expansion process.
The Chief Minister further said the government is trying hard to improve connectivity `“roads, railways and airways to promote tourism in the State, however, all these are not possible without co-operation of the public.
Parliamentary secretary (Tourism) M Prithiviraj Singh said the State is bestowed with natural beauties such as Loktak Lake, beautiful hills, which has helped in attracting tourists.
He said there has been an increase in the number of tourist from outside the State including from outside the country.
Manipur has the potential and will become one of the most sought after tourist spot in a few years, said executive director, Indian Association of Tour Operators Gaur Kanjilal.
Tourism can create magic to the place and generate huge employment avenues, he said before elaborating that it is the second largest industry in the world today.
There is still a huge potential in the unexplored paradises in the State, which tourists would love to explore, he continued on the tourism potential of the State.
While, Manipur is blessed with all the required ingredients and resources to attract foreign tourists, the only thing lacking is marketing of the place, he observed
He said although the only airport in the State has been upgraded to an international airport, the government need to put more labour so as to attract more tourists.
The Japanese and the British are very fond of the place and want to visit it because of the World War II cemeteries in the State, he added.
Today`™s seminar was also attended by several tour operators from the North East.