The Manipur government is developing tourism and related infrastructures to turn the state into a world class destination, Pradeep Kumar Jha, commissioner of tourism, Manipur said on Sunday.
Addressing the second Manipur Tourism Congress in Imphal, Pradeep Kumar Jha said the 16 districts of Manipur are distinct and unique in their own way and hence, the Sangai Festival is being organised in different venues to raise awareness and understand the uniqueness.
Organised by the Department of Tourism to promote Manipur as a hotspot of tourism, the commissioner of tourism also informed that a two-day consultation was organised for creating tourism policy. He said that while creating policy, it should cover all aspects from the private sector as well.
Mentioning some of the developing projects taken up in the field of tourism in the state, the commissioner said that the state government is working to promote the tourism sector and for the same reason, the government will try to develop the Hotel Imphal into a five-star hotel.
Similarly, the government will also try to provide three-star facilities at the Loktak Lake too and the decision for the same will be taken within the three weeks, the commissioner added.
The state government is developing tourism of the state into a world class destination, trying to include it on the world travel map, the commissioner said.
He informed that the G20 Summit will be held in Manipur in February 2023 and called on the people of the state to give importance to hospitality and service.
The commissioner further informed that besides the Sangai Festival, more festivals like Barak Festival (December 13) and Orange Festival (December 17) will also be held in the state.
Director of Tourism, W Ibohal highlighted the historical connection of different remarkable places of Manipur and origin of hills and valleys of Manipur. He said there is no difference between a hill and a valley and that we are one. Therefore, this year, the theme of the Sangai Festival is ‘We are One’ and to make the people of the state realise this, the government is organising the festival in different parts of the state.
Speaking about the threats to Loktak Lake, he said it is due to human habitation. It was 286 square kilometres about three decades ago but is now only 168 square kilometres, the director of tourism said.
"We need to preserve and protect the lake", he said.
Highlighting the importance of Keibul Lamjao National Park, he explained the unique nature of Phumdi that sucks nutrients from soil during summer season.
He also mentioned the uniqueness of Ima Keithel, Sangol Kangjei and other historical monument places. The state has something unique that cannot be found in other states. However, in spite of all such uniqueness, the state's tourism is unable to grow, he lamented.
"I want to promote state tourism to world destinations and make it hotspots of tourism" said Ibohal and added that he alone cannot make it but that he requires help and support from Tourism Operator Association of India as well as people of Manipur. Therefore, he appealed to the directorate of tourism to promote tourism and make it known in the world.
During the Congress, Indian Association of Tour Operator, Manipur state in-charge, H Radhakrishna Sharma presented on Manipur; IATO vice president, Ravi Raman Singh Gosain briefed on IATO activities and suggestions; Adventures Tour Operators Associations India (ATOAI) active member, Sreekumara Menon Velayudh Menon briefed on ATOAI activities and suggestion; AITO Northeast states chapter, chairman Nirmalya Choudhory briefed on North East IATO.
