Tourism brings forth numerous benefits, contributing to both individuals and the overall economy. Firstly, it fosters cultural exchange and understanding between different societies, promoting tolerance and appreciation for diverse traditions and customs. By immersing in new environments, tourists gain insights into other ways of life, fostering empathy and breaking down stereotypes.
Additionally, tourism generates substantial revenue and job opportunities, stimulating economic growth. It creates a ripple effect by supporting various sectors such as accommodation, transportation, food, and entertainment, thereby boosting local businesses.
Moreover, tourism can be a catalyst for the preservation and conservation of natural and cultural heritage sites, encouraging sustainable practices and environmental protection. Overall, tourism offers a platform for personal growth, economic prosperity, and cultural enrichment, making it a mutually beneficial activity for both travelers and host communities.
Tourism is one industry that Mokokchung, or Nagaland for that matter, has vast untapped potential. Unfortunately, we have so far not been able to exploit the opportunity. There could be a wide range of issues or reasons but one of the main reasons why Mokokchung has not been able to reap the benefits of the tourism industry is because of lack of awareness and sensitization.
The community as a whole is at fault here. The fact that the incumbent Nagaland minister of tourism is from Mokokchung does not mean that the industry will take off on its own in the district. Some of the districts in Nagaland are performing very well as far as tourism is concerned. Sadly, even the stakeholders themselves – the community as well as the authorities concerned – are seemingly yet to realize the importance and benefits of tourism.
The Tzüla (Dikhu) Green Zone, as rightly pointed out by the Director of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, has immense eco-tourism potential. Similar projects must be encouraged in the Milak corridor as well. Our natural heritage, cultural heritage and landscape are ready-made tourism products but we have not been able to sell them.
The Ministry of Tourism recently conducted a Best Tourism Village competition in India. The competition was open to all villages in India and was aimed to promote sustainable tourism in rural areas. The competition was divided into three phases: district level evaluation, state level evaluation, and national level evaluation. The winning village would be awarded a prize of INR 1 million and would be featured on the Ministry of Tourism’s website.
Unfortunately, only one village participated in the competition from the 100+ villages of Mokokchung district. As per the ministry’s criteria, at least three entries were mandatory from each district. The lone village from Mokokchung district was disqualified by default because the district did not meet the criteria of minimum number of participation. The results of the Best Tourism Village competition in India will be declared in September 2023. The competition is currently in the state level evaluation phase, and the top three villages from each state will be selected for the national level evaluation.
This is just a reference to show how far Mokokchung is behind others as far as tourism is concerned. There are no tour operators in Mokokchung, no registered homestay facilities, no empaneled tourist guides, no tourism body and, most of all, no tourism department office.
We are sitting on a gold mine and don’t even know it – that is the present status of tourism in Mokokchung in short.