NDPP welcomes decision on mini hornbills

May 05, 2018

1. The NDPP sincerely appreciates the Government for giving emphasis on the Tourism sector in the State. It is unfortunate that the opposition is criticizing the decision without actually understanding the positive benefits of this policy initiative. Perhaps the criticism is due to the failures of the NPF government in the tourism sector in the past four years where Nagaland failed to build upon the foundations that were laid in the past decade.

Amongst the multiple failures on all fronts, the tourism sector was negatively impacted due to poor governance, the leadership’s inability to understand the tourism potentials of the State and utter lack of any innovative ideas. Shockingly, instead of promoting Nagaland as a tourist destination to the outside world, serious efforts were made by the previous government to reduce tourism related events and programmes.

2. The decision to have mini-Hornbill festivals around the State coinciding with the respective tribal festival is a welcome move. This policy decision will give a boost to tourism throughout the State, which in turn will have a multiplying effect on all aspects and further enhance the local economy and employment generation. Growth in tourism will boost economic growth, generate local employment, besides motivating the youth to promote culture, handloom and handicrafts, sports, music, arts, creativity and innovation which Naga youths are blessed with in abundance.

Besides inculcating a strong sense of pride in our rich cultural heritage, much revenue can be earned thereby giving rise to a sustainable local economy. Most importantly, emphasis on tourism gives opportunities to our youth in dozens of sectors and it allows the youth to be positive contributors to economic growth and enables them to participate in a proactive manner in our common endeavors of shaping a new and welcoming image of Nagaland to the global community.

3. A recent survey ranked Nagaland 27th in the country in tourism. Together we need to change this ranking for the better. An independent assessment indicated that with an investment of around Rs. 5 crores by the State Government, conservative figures estimated approximately more than 50 crores revenue to the local economy during the Hornbill Festivals.

The festival is perhaps the only major activity that benefits local entrepreneurs from taxi drivers and operators to travel companies, hotels and restaurants, street businesses, handloom and handicrafts, food industry, fashion designers and houses, event management companies and groups etc. The local entrepreneurs avail the opportunity to earn well from events like the Hornbill Festival and the longer and more expansive the festival, the better for our entrepreneurs not only in Kohima and Dimapur but across the length and breadth of the State.

4. Mini Hornbill Festivals will serve as an opportunity for the benefits and economic impacts to percolate to all the districts, making Nagaland tourism real and inclusive. The PDA Government’s development agenda will enable the interior areas and all districts to improve and upgrade the existing facilities such as comfortable accommodation, transport and conveyance, better road and communication facilities, specialized training for tour operators and tourist guides and travel agencies etc. Another beneficial aspect will be the documentation of our rich cultural heritage, stories and legends not only for tourists and visitors, but for the local populace too.

5. The PDA Government aims to empower the tribal Hohos and popularize our tribal celebrations into national and international events so that Nagaland and the Nagas are known for positive and wonderful aspects.

It is hoped that this sincere effort will evolve into a cohesive partnership between the Government, the tribal Hohos and the people for which all sections of society are humbly requested to join hands with the Government towards achieving sustainable economic development.

( Issued by :
NDPP, Media & Communications Committee )