The first ever congress of tourism professionals from across the country in Manipur concluded recently. The event, started on World Tourism Day: September 27th, 2021, was organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Manipur, in association with Manipur Association of Tour Operators(MATO) under the theme “Tourism for Inclusive Growth”.
The congress witnessed the participation of representatives from tour operator associations and travel agents, hoteliers from Manipur and other neighbouring North-Eastern as well as other states, and homestays owner from Manipur.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Congress, P. Vaiphei, Additional Chief Secretary-Tourism, Govt. of Manipur, congratulated the organising teams of the congress for sending out the message of restarting the tourism industry in the State for a quick recovery.
The participating delegates from different states had productive idea sharing sessions with state tourism officials and tour operators from the state. MATO showcased a wide array of tourism products and services available in the state during the inaugural function of the congress. A FAM trip to various tourist destinations in the state was organised as part of the event in order to give the participants a first-hand experience of the state.
Director (Tourism), W. Ibohal Singh, gave a presentation on the tourism products of the State and emphasised on the need for the North Eastern states to come together while promoting the region as a favourite tourist destination for domestic and international travellers.
Singh highlighted the arrival figures of international travellers to the State which increased by leaps and bounds every year till the outbreak of the COVID pandemic at the end of 2019. The participation of members of premiere tour operators’ associations from across the country at this event is valuable for us and it will help us fill the gap that we face in selling our tourism products to potential visitors to the State, he added.
The congress marked the opening of the tourism business in the state and the creation of a common platform for stakeholders in the tourism industry to jointly promote Manipur as a favourite tourist destination in the North East India region.
