Agape Higher Secondary School hosts ‘Community-Based & Sustainable Tourism’

Agape Higher Secondary School, Kiphire, conducted a special Saturday Activity on April 12, 2025, under the theme ‘Community-Based & Sustainable Tourism’. The event began at 10:30 AM in the school auditorium and brought together students, teachers, and invited guests. The session was led by Mr. Longtili C. Sangtam, a noted entrepreneur and journalist from Kiphire.

In his address, Mr. Longtili spoke about the vast tourism potential of Kiphire district, highlighting its natural beauty, vibrant culture, and distinct rural charm. He emphasized that these attributes could be promoted through eco-tourism, cultural tourism, and rural tourism. Encouraging students and the local community to value what they already have, he said, “We often wait for help from above and forget to start with what we have. But we need to learn to take the first step ourselves.”

He urged the youth to harness local resources in creative and sustainable ways to build tourism-based opportunities that are community-driven. He pointed out that tourism is one of the few industries where people are paid to travel and promote their own region.

Citing examples of successful local initiatives, Mr. Longtili spoke about Singrep Adventure, founded by Mr. Atsungba, which draws tourists with its unique “floating cloud” experience. He also highlighted the community efforts at Singtra Valley in Seyochung Village, where residents are jointly developing a tourism site. Festivals like the Apple Festival and Kholar Festival were also mentioned for their role in boosting tourism and supporting local farmers.

The session served as both an informative and motivational platform, encouraging students to explore tourism as a promising career path. The school thanked Mr. Longtili for his valuable insights and for inspiring the youth to dream big while staying connected to their roots.

MT