Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Tuesday announced that the state government is working on a tourism circuit and will soon come up with the same to attract domestic as well as foreign tourists in the state.
He was speaking as a chief guest during the World Tourism Day celebration organised by the Tourism department on the theme ‘Rethinking Tourism’ at a historically significant Maibam Lotpa Ching, Nambol in Bishnupur district.
The chief minister observed that the state is becoming super tourist friendly and tourists from many foreign countries are eyeing to visit Manipur with significant improvement in law and order situation.
He said that delegates from foreign countries such as Thailand, Saudi Arabia among others are visiting the state ahead of the upcoming Sangai Festival, 2022.
He maintained that the economic development of the state solely depends on the tourism sector. He elaborated that the government is developing a tourist circuit by setting up and face-lifting several tourist spots in the state like Khangkhui cave and Shirui hills in Ukhrul district, ethnic-park, heritage park at Makhel in Senapati district, Tharon Cave in Tamenglong district, Ebudhou Marjing Polo Complex, water amusement park and several others.
Biren further announced that the government will introduce ‘Chief Minister's Sagol Kangjei Tournament’ from this year's edition of Sangai Festival to give a flavour of the traditional game to the tourists apart from the International Polo Tournament.
He mentioned that various direct flights connecting Imphal have been introduced recently. The government is putting maximum efforts to introduce Imphal-Bangkok flight service as well to further boost tourism, he added.
Biren maintained that the government has been emphasising the value of time and money as the people not understanding the value of time and money has been a hurdle in making the state march towards progress.
Meanwhile, taking advantage of the function, he also announced that the government in collaboration with Samsung will be setting up a hi-tech training centre for sports with virtual reality facilities at Khuman Lampak Sports Complex and Olympian Park.
Education Minister Thounaojam Basantakumar, MLA Karam Shyam, who is also chairman of Manipur Tourism Corporation Ltd., MLA Y Radheshyam, Tourism Commissioner PK Jha, tourism director W Ibohal among other officials attended the celebration.
Cultural programmes by eminent folk blues singer and Padmashri Guru Rewben Mashangva, Laihui's Mangka and Rhythms of Manipur were also showcased as part of the celebration.
