Imphal, September 27: While taking serious note of the various forms of restrictions imposed against foreign tourists entering the North East region, Tourism Minister TN Haokip has projected tourism as future industry of the State.

The Tourism Minister was speaking at World Tourism Day observance today at Hotel Imphal under the banner "Tourism Opens Door to Women".

The observance was also attended by PDA Chairman Kh Loken and Director of College Development Council Dr RK Ranjan as functional president and guest of honour respectively.

Speaking as chief guest, TN Haokip exhorted the people not to cause any apprehension or fear to tourists and to be courteous and hospitable.

He remarked that tourists are flocking to Bali because of the courtesy and hospitality of the local people.

With the basic objective to promote tourism, an interactive session will be held shortly together with tour and travel operators, taxi and rickshaw drivers and the general public, informed TN Haokip.

The Imphal airport will have night TN stresses importance of tourism landing facilities very soon and later the airport will be upgraded to international standard after sometime, he said while calling upon people of all walks to join hands for development of Manipur.

Citing the instance of community tourism in Cherapunjee, Dr Loken noted that tourists are assets of the host country.

Notwithstanding the violent situation in Manipur, it is crucial to frame a tourism policy and to execute proper planning after identifying the potential tourist spots, asserted RK Ranjan.

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