NICTTL concludes with commitment for regional development
NICTTL concludes with commitment for regional development
A two-day Nagaland International Conference on Tourism, Transport and Logistics (NICTTL) 2025 held at Town Hall, Zone Niathu by the Park in Chümoukedima
DIMAPUR — A
two-day Nagaland International Conference on Tourism, Transport and Logistics
(NICTTL) 2025 held at Town Hall, Zone Niathu by the Park in Chümoukedima
concluded on Saturday by reinforcing key strategies for strengthening regional
collaboration, cross-border trade and sustainable tourism.
Organised by the Business Association of Nagas (BAN), the
conference brought together policy-makers, industry leaders, international
dignitaries and business stakeholders to drive economic growth through enhanced
connectivity and responsible tourism practices.
The morning session featured panel discussion on logistics
and transport cross-border collaboration, moderated by Inoto Kinimi, BAN
convenor of logistics and transport.
The panelists were P Tokugha Sema, director of Industries
and Commerce; representative from IDAN (Investment and Development Authority of
Nagaland); Subrata Biswas, regional head (East) of Blue Dart; Ryuta Saito,
second secretary at Embassy of Japan, New Delhi; and Garab Dorji, chairman of
Guides Association of Bhutan (GAB), Thimphu.
An update from BAN stated that discussions emphasised
enhancing trade connectivity, improving transport infrastructure and fostering
cross-border collaboration to unlock economic opportunities between Nagaland,
Bhutan and other South Asian markets.
The second session focused on entrepreneurial empowerment,
moderated by Benthungo Kithan, BAN convenor of MSME. Experts from leading
financial institutions shared insights on leveraging government schemes and
digital market access to empower Nagaland’s entrepreneurs.
Key participants included Micro, Small and Medium
Enterprises (MSME), Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), State
Bank of India (SBI), National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) and
Government e-Marketplace (GeM).
It stated a special emphasis was placed on SC/ ST
entrepreneurial schemes, financial inclusion and capacity-building initiatives
to support business growth in underserved communities.
The afternoon panel on adventure tourism with emphasis on
carbon neutrality brought together experts in eco-tourism and adventure travel
such Poonch, cycling tourism advocate; Yanpvuo Kikon, mountain biking expert;
and Senthungo Ovung, 4x4 off-road adventure enthusiast.
Discussions highlighted Nagaland’s untapped potential for
adventure tourism with a focus on sustainability and carbon-neutral initiatives
to drive responsible travel while preserving the region’s ecological balance.
During the closing ceremony, Zubeno Mozhui, convenor of
NICTTL and standing committee on tourism, has stressed the need for robust
infrastructure, international collaboration and policy-driven sustainable
tourism initiatives, while Thangi Mannen, BAN advisor of tourism committee and
former secretary of Tourism, outlined the conference’s key takeaways, which set
the roadmap for future actions such as tourism and sustainable development,
promoting responsible tourism.
It has established international partnerships with Japan to
facilitate business and entrepreneurship exchange programmes to foster
innovation and with Bhutan to strengthen collaboration on tour guide training,
B2B networking and handicraft and cultural exchange programmes.
For logistics and transport expanding business and skill
development, BAN has partnered with Blue Dart to develop last-mile delivery
solutions to create employment opportunities in remote areas.
The conference has adopted Bhutan’s tourism model to enhance
Nagaland’s tourism industry. It also decided to strengthen engagement with
NSIC’s SC/ST Hub to improve funding access, skill development and market
linkages for marginalised entrepreneurs.
The NICTTL 2025 awards for outstanding contributions in
tourism and sustainability was given away by the advisor of Law, Justice and
Land Revenue, TN Mannen.
The best tour operator award was given to Neikedolie,
founder of Naga Bivouac, while the best eco-friendly resort award was given to
Rekha Rose Dukru, founder of The Majestic Kapamodzu; best community
conservation practices award was given to Nuklu Phom, chairman of Lemsachenlok
Society; and special citation award was given to Hebamlo, initiated by Green
Hub X Royal Enfield.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by
Ameto Peseyie.
NICTTL is a premier platform uniting policymakers, business
leaders and global stakeholders to explore innovative solutions for tourism,
transport and regional connectivity. It focuses on empowering Nagaland through
connectivity, entrepreneurship and sustainable development.
