Scores of projects implemented by the department of Tourism under Swadesh Darshan and Prashad schemes, and funded by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, were on Friday inaugurated virtually by the advisor for Tourism, Art and Culture, Khehovi H Yeputhomi.
The inaugurated tourism projects were: Pilgrimage Centre Aizuto under Prashad Scheme worth INR 650.84 lakh; and six other projects worth INR 11337.44 lakh under Swadesh Darshan, namely Suteplenden Eco-Resort, New Peren Tribal Hub, Tizit Eco-Resort, Dikhu Eco-Resort, Doyang Eco-Resort, and Ungma Tribal Hub. The total investment spreading across several districts was worth INR 11,988.28 lakh.
In his inaugural speech, Yeputhomi acknowledged the Union Ministry of Tourism for initiating the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, which is a theme-based tourist circuit for integrated development, and Prashad Scheme dedicated for religious destinations in Nagaland and the Northeast.
He exuded hope that the projects will be used judiciously, cater to the needs of the tourist and fulfill the objective of the ventures which is to promote tourism as a catalyst for economic growth and create more employment opportunity for the community.
He opined that the assets, if properly planned and utilised, has the potential to provide a complete tourism package by attracting tourists to various districts.
Yeputhomi pointed out that the assets will not only provide basic facility to the tourists but also act as a centre to promote local art handicraft, culture and cuisine to generate livelihood, create awareness to local communities about the importance of tourism in terms of increased sources of income, improved living standards and overall development of the area, besides promoting “our rich cultural heritage”.
He maintained that to develop professionalism and modernism with a focus on in-depth infrastructure development, the Government is now concentrating on a capacity building programme for creating employment in the hospitality industry to meet the growing demand in the sector.
Further, he challenged the people to work together and make Nagaland the most favoured tourist destination.
Earlier in the programme, K M Rio, Director Tourism, delivered the welcome address while Junior Engineer Rokovituo Tep presented the project summary.