Untapped and regrettable

If there is one industry that can propel the economic development of Mokokchung as things stand today, it is tourism. Unlike mega projects that can contribute to economic development like factories, industries, hospitals, universities and institutions which would require huge investment, tourism can be promoted with what there already is in Mokokchung. With proper planning and strategy, tourism can start up right away and grow over time, thereby contributing to economic growth and development along the process.

Tourism is an industry that creates employment opportunities, generates revenue, promotes cultural exchange, and attracts investment. Tourism can create direct and indirect employment opportunities for people in the district. These jobs can range from tour guides and hotel staff to transportation providers and local artisans to hoteliers and entertainers. Additionally, tourists spend money on accommodation, transportation, food, shopping, and activities, which can generate income for local businesses and entrepreneurs.

Tourism can generate revenue for the state government through various means such as entry fees, taxes, and tourism-related infrastructure development. Even without government intervention, private businesses will develop infrastructure like hotels, restaurants, and other tourist attractions once the industry starts to build up. This will not only create new jobs but also stimulate economic growth and development.

Tourism can promote cultural exchange between tourists and locals, which can lead to the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and skills. This can help create opportunities for local artisans and traditional craftsmen, for instance, to showcase their skills and products and may even lead to new profitable ventures between prospective business investors and locals. A thriving tourism industry can attract investors to the district, leading to even further economic development. This investment can be in the form of new hotels, restaurants, and other tourism-related infrastructure.

There are various types of tourism, some of which are Cultural Tourism, Adventure Tourism, Ecotourism, Religious Tourism, Medical Tourism, Sports Tourism, Culinary Tourism, Agritourism, etc. Mokokchung has a rich cultural heritage, and cultural tourism can attract tourists to visit and experience the local customs, traditions, and festivals. Also, the district has vast natural beauty which can attract ecotourists. With the right strategies and investments, Mokokchung can leverage its cultural, natural, and social assets to develop a vibrant tourism sector that can contribute to its economic growth.

The incumbent Tourism Minister of Nagaland is from Mokokchung district. As such, it is not out of place to hope for the state government to give due attention to tourism development in the district along with the rest of the state. It appears that Mokokchung is lagging behind the rest of the state in tourism. For instance, there is reportedly no entry from Mokokchung district at the ongoing Best Tourism Village competition organized by the Ministry of Tourism. That, in a way, reveals the lack of coordination between the Tourism department and the stakeholders in the district. Another concern is that there is no Tourism Office in Mokokchung and this must be urgently addressed in order to effectively implement the government’s tourism development policies in the district. There is so much potential for tourism in Mokokchung, yet it remains untapped regrettably.