The Department of Tourism, Government of Nagaland, in collaboration with the Nagaland Tourism Association (NTA), successfully conducted a capacity-building training on homestay and tour guiding in Phor Village in Phek district, coinciding with the Mini Hornbill Festival Yemshe, the premier festival of the Pochury tribe.
The training program commenced with an invocation by Yichutu, Associate Pastor of the New Phor Baptist Church, followed by a welcome address by Lazithu Trakha. S Peter Trakha, Senior Tourist Officer of Phek District, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the importance of empowering the local community in tourism development.
In the first session, Vimeto Vakha, President of the NTA, addressed the participants on the topic of “Tourism Potential in Nagaland and Homestay as a Business.” He emphasized the unique cultural and natural heritage of Phor Village, highlighting its untapped potential as a tourist destination. Vakha also underscored the importance of preserving the history and traditions of the village while opening it up to the world through sustainable tourism. According to him, Phor Village has a rich story to tell, and homestays can play a vital role in offering authentic experiences to visitors.
The second session was led by Veshehu Kezo, General Secretary of the NTA, who presented on the topic of “Tour Guiding as a Profession.” He shared valuable insights into the skills required to be a successful tour guide, emphasizing the importance of knowledge, communication, and professionalism in shaping a positive experience for tourists. Kezo encouraged local youth to consider tour guiding as a rewarding and viable career, especially with the growing interest in Nagaland’s tourism.
The program brought together numerous participants from Phor and neighboring villages, who engaged in interactive sessions and discussions. This initiative aims to build local capacity in tourism, promoting sustainable tourism development while preserving the cultural heritage of the Pochury tribe.
S Peter Trakha stated that such training programs are crucial for rural communities to benefit from tourism opportunities, while ensuring that the traditions and culture of Nagaland are shared authentically with visitors.
The event concluded with a sense of optimism as participants expressed their eagerness to apply the skills and knowledge gained. The Department of Tourism and the Nagaland Tourism Association look forward to organizing similar programs to support local tourism initiatives in the future.