Manipur Tourism Congress held
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IMPHAL, Nov 26 : The 3rd Manipur Tourism Congress was held today at The Classic Hotel as part of the ongoing 12th Sangai Festival.
Organised by the Manipur Tourism Department and Manipur Association of Tour Operators, the Tourism Congress was attended by Babina Group of Companies Managing Director cum Chairman Dr Th Dhabali, Tourism Joint Secretary Elangbam Sonia and Director of Research and Development of Manipur University Dr Ch Ibohal Meitei, Indian Association of Tour Operator president Ravi Gosain and former president Rajiv Mehra as chief guest, president and guests of honour respectively.
Addressing the function, Ibohal said that Manipur is blessed with breathtaking natural beauty that holds immense tourism potential.
Promoting the tourist destinations is not just about development, it is a business, he said and called for the promotion of Manipur’s diverse tourist destinations as a unique tourism brand to attract visitors from across the country and abroad.
Saying that tourism development revolves around the five essential “As” viz attraction, accommodation, activities, amenities, and access, he added that Manipur is significantly lagging behind in the critical area of accessibility.
Infrastructure development, especially roads, is crucial for tourism growth, Ibohal said.
He also stated that Manipur, which hasn't undergone significant industrialisation, can promote tourism as a sustainable economic activity and transform the State.
Later, a panel discussion and interaction programme were held as part of the meeting on "Partnership for Progress: National and Regional Associations Supporting Smaller States in Tourism Growth" and "Regional Cooperation: The Key to Rebuilding Trust and Driving Tourism Growth.
The congress also includes a two-day familiarisation trip.
Tomorrow's itinerary covers Imphal Peace Museum, Maibam Lokpa Ching, INA, Keibul Lamjao, Sendra, and Loktak Lake, while Friday's trip will cover various places in Imphal.
Organised by the Manipur Tourism Department and Manipur Association of Tour Operators, the Tourism Congress was attended by Babina Group of Companies Managing Director cum Chairman Dr Th Dhabali, Tourism Joint Secretary Elangbam Sonia and Director of Research and Development of Manipur University Dr Ch Ibohal Meitei, Indian Association of Tour Operator president Ravi Gosain and former president Rajiv Mehra as chief guest, president and guests of honour respectively.
Addressing the function, Ibohal said that Manipur is blessed with breathtaking natural beauty that holds immense tourism potential.
Promoting the tourist destinations is not just about development, it is a business, he said and called for the promotion of Manipur’s diverse tourist destinations as a unique tourism brand to attract visitors from across the country and abroad.
Saying that tourism development revolves around the five essential “As” viz attraction, accommodation, activities, amenities, and access, he added that Manipur is significantly lagging behind in the critical area of accessibility.
Infrastructure development, especially roads, is crucial for tourism growth, Ibohal said.
He also stated that Manipur, which hasn't undergone significant industrialisation, can promote tourism as a sustainable economic activity and transform the State.
Later, a panel discussion and interaction programme were held as part of the meeting on "Partnership for Progress: National and Regional Associations Supporting Smaller States in Tourism Growth" and "Regional Cooperation: The Key to Rebuilding Trust and Driving Tourism Growth.
The congress also includes a two-day familiarisation trip.
Tomorrow's itinerary covers Imphal Peace Museum, Maibam Lokpa Ching, INA, Keibul Lamjao, Sendra, and Loktak Lake, while Friday's trip will cover various places in Imphal.