AIZAWL:
Mizoram has adopted Responsible Tourism Policy to boost eco and adventure tourism, state tourism minister Robert Romawia Royte said on September 27.
Addressing a World Tourism Day function in Aizawl, Royte said the pilot project, which he boasted as the “first in India”, aims to promote eco-tourism to boost sustainability, conservation of the environment, enhance livelihoods, as the Northeastern state has abundant resources of forest, rich and rare varieties of flora and fauna and ideal climatic conditions.
“The crippling effect on the tourism industry induced by the pandemic is gradually wearing off. The state is currently focusing on post-Covid strategy and plan for revival of tourism in the state. We have prepared a comprehensive recovery plan to rebuild Destination Mizoram focusing on responsible and sustainable standards,” he said.
According to Royte, Yuva Tourism Club has been formed in different colleges to bring about “tourism awakening” among college students. Through Yuva Tourism Clubs, college students learn how to be hospitable to tourists, he said.
“As Responsible Tourism involves the participation of community, I appeal to the locals and all stakeholders to boost tourism sector in Mizoram,” he said.
The minister said that being at the centre of the world’s richest bio-diversity hotspot, blessed with rich and rare varieties of flora, fauna and ideal climatic conditions, he hoped that Mizoram would soon become a favourite destination for travellers, both domestic and international.
Tourism department joint secretary V Lalengmawia said the Responsible Tourism Policy was launched in 2020. After successfully implementing the responsible tourism initiatives in three locations, the department is considering taking the initiatives to more places in the state.
“We have plans to expand the responsible tourism initiatives so that the benefits of tourism reach everyone and drive inclusive growth. The responsible tourism policy of the state is quite comprehensive in nature,” Lalengmawia said.
Lalengmawia said that the pilot projects are implemented with the complete participation of the local communities and tourism stakeholders of the area.
He said that the idea is to position Mizoram as a destination for eco and adventure tourism. “There are unparalleled opportunities for nature-based tourism and adventure tourism in the state,” he said.
During today’s function, Royte unveiled ‘International Tourism Mart’ to be held in Mizoram during November 16-18.
“As part of the International Tourism Mart, we are planning to organise world’s largest guitar ensemble in Aizawl that will hopefully enter the Guinness Book Of World Records,” he said.