Nagaland Tourism department, in collaboration with the Sumi Hoho and the Nagaland Tourism Association (NTA), organized a Tourism Awareness Training at Woodland School in Zunheboto on 12 November 2024. The event aimed to raise awareness about the potential of tourism in the state and to train local stakeholders in various aspects of the tourism industry.
The program was inaugurated by Vincent Sukhalu, Principal of Woodland Higher Secondary School, who expressed his gratitude to the department for choosing the school as the venue for the important event. He welcomed the attendees and acknowledged the significance of such initiatives for the region.
The session began with a welcome address and an introduction of the trainees by Nyurhetho, Senior Tourism Officer. He spoke about the vast potential of tourism in Nagaland, highlighting various niches such as cultural tourism, ecotourism, mountain tourism, rural and village tourism, community-based tourism, wellness tourism, and experiential tourism. Nyurhetho emphasized that tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the country, contributing significantly to exposure to diverse cultures, job creation, soft skills development, and economic growth.
Agumbe Nring, Tourist Officer, then delivered a presentation on the role of travel intermediaries, explaining the essential functions of travel agents and tour operators in promoting tourism. His talk focused on how travel intermediaries contribute to the smooth operation of the tourism industry and their importance in creating connections between travelers and local destinations.
The training also covered the basics of tour guiding, with Vimeto Vakha, President of the Nagaland Tourism Association (NTA), sharing his expertise. He elaborated on the key skills required for effective tour guiding, including communication, knowledge of local culture, and safety protocols.
In addition, Kheto Yhokha, Tourist Officer, gave an insightful session on homestay management and hospitality, discussing the benefits of homestays for both hosts and tourists and their role in enhancing authentic travel experiences in Nagaland.
The event concluded with closing remarks by Vimeto Vakha, who outlined the registration process for the Homestay and Tourism Operators (TO/TA) Schemes. He also discussed various career prospects within the tourism industry and encouraged the participants to explore opportunities in this growing sector.