A five-day Tour Guide and First Aid Training programme organised by the Nagaland Association of Tour Operators (NATO) began on Monday at the Red Cross Conference Hall, Kohima, with participants from across Nagaland attending the capacity-building initiative aimed at strengthening the state’s tourism workforce.
The inaugural programme was chaired by Vimeto Vakha, President of the Nagaland Tourism Association (NTA), while the invocation was offered by Akhale V. Khamo, Retired Director of Tourism, Government of Nagaland, General Secretary of the Indian Red Cross Society, Nagaland State Branch, and Advisor to NATO.
Addressing the gathering, NATO President Kejaroko Pieru highlighted the need for skilled tourism professionals in Nagaland. He said the state continues to face a shortage of trained personnel and stressed the importance of regular training programmes to meet the growing demand in the tourism sector.
Director of Tourism, Nagaland, Veyielo Doulo, welcomed the trainees and encouraged them to acquire professional skills through the programme. He said tourism has the potential to become a major source of employment and sustainable livelihoods in the state.
The training, which concludes on August 7, includes classroom sessions, practical exposure and certified first aid training. Participants will receive training on ecotourism, community-based tourism, tourism laws, professional tour guiding, adventure tourism, wildlife tourism and visitor management.
The trainees will also undertake familiarisation trips to Kohima, Khonoma and Dzuleke to gain practical experience in destination interpretation, heritage appreciation and community-based tourism initiatives.