Imphal, November 06: Governor Dr SS Sidhu has said tourism is the fastest track for socio-economic development of any State and its multiplier effect in employment generation is unmatched.

Inaugurating the Manipur Tourism Festival, 2006 at Mapal Kangjeibung Mela Ground here today, Dr Sidhu, who was the chief guest of the function said the festival is one of its kind and the largest one organised by the State Tourism Department and aims at giving impetus to art and culture, rich bio-diversity, handicrafts and handlooms, indigenous sports, adventure and eco-tourism potential of Manipur so as to project and showcase Manipur as one of the favourite tourist destinations in the North East region.

Speaking at length on the vast potential for development of tourism in Manipur, Dr Sidhu noted that an Action Plan for the development of State's tourism was finalised in early 2005.


A musical show being staged at the inaugural function of the State tourism festival and inset Dr Sidhu

It is high time that the Action Plan is taken up for expeditious and sustained implementation, the Governor said, adding strengthening of infrastructure is central to the development of tourism in the State.

Further, the development of tourist centres/resorts with related facilities, identification and promotion of State's unique selling point/s (UPS's) i.e Kangla and Loktak, determining tourist packages and promotion thereof, tour operators and availability of trained guides, has to be taken up on priority by the State Government so that available potential for the development of tourism in the State is fully utilised, he pointed out.

On other beneficial aspects of tourism, Dr Sidhu said it teaches people to savour and celebrate all that is beautiful in nature and human life, breaks walls of suspicion and hatred between faiths and communities, breeds tolerance and empathy and enriches the pluralism in society.

Tourism also contributes in strengthening the unity and integrity of the Nation and enhances the economic prosperity of the people, Dr Sidhu added.

Tourism Minister TN Haokip presided over the function which was also graced by Power Minister Francis Ngajokpa and MLA Dr M Nara as guests of honour.

Apart from cultural programmes and demonstration of indigenous sports, adventure sports and eco-tourism activities would be organised during the next four days of the festival.

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