The second day of the ongoing Destination North East 2020, a mega online event, with the theme “Emerging Delightful Destinations”, held on 28th September 2020, witnessed the participation of the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur and Meghalaya.
Welcoming all on behalf of North East States to visit North East Region, Prof. Biman Kumar Dutta, Member NEC, highlighted about the tourism potentials of North East Region, rich biodiversity hotspots, historical and religious places and other important tourist attractions like Tea Estates, scenically beautiful places & historical monuments besides the hospitality of people of the North East Region.
The event saw the presentation of cultural mosaic, dances, places of tourist attractions, choirs, state icons, achievers and entrepreneurs of the participating states. Akriti Chen, Miss Meghalaya, extended welcome on behalf of her state. Special messages were delivered by state icons, Mountaineer Wansuk Myrthong and Cyclist Winward Sangma. Introduction about Urlong tea was given by Riba and a Cultural presentation of Dance and Music like Shad Mastieh Dance, Wangala Dance and Shad Pliang Dance etc was also made.
During the programme Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad Sangma, thanked the Ministry of DoNER for organizing the Destination North East Event. Highlighting the importance and potential of tourism in North East Region he talked about the direct and indirect benefits of tourism in the state of Meghalaya in terms of revenue earned, employment created and livelihood generated. The Chief Minister spoke about the need to re strategize tourism in Meghalaya in the background of the challenges and opportunities that the COVID Pandemic has created. He explained that, eco tourism being the forte of Meghalaya, there is a need for better packaging, linking Shillong Airport to Delhi and other Metros and investing in Unique Selling Points to attract a potential 26 million high value Indian foreign going tourists of India who are now likely to turn towards North East region. He also stressed the need for attracting Capital, Government funding and Public Private Partnership. Lastly he felt that there is a need to create security and safety for both locals and tourists in the era of COVID and informed that Meghalaya Government is taking all possible measures to implement the health protocols seriously.
The program ended with vote of thanks to the participating State of Meghalaya by Navin Kumar, Adviser (T&C), NEC.
In Arunachal Pradesh, the event saw the presentation of cultural mosaic, dances, places of tourist attractions, choirs, state icons, achievers and entrepreneurs of the participating states. Miss Arunachal Pradesh extended welcome on behalf of her state. Special messages were delivered by Delong Padung & Jackie Bodo, Icon/Achiever from the state of Arunachal Pradesh. Introduction about Kiwi Wine was given by Takhe Tamo, Bamboo Jewellery by Techi Anna. Cultural presentation of Dance & Music like Snow Lion Dance, Nyshi Dance and Folk Music & Dance were also presented.
During the programme Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu, thanked the Ministry of DoNER and NEC for the efforts to showcase tourism in North East despite the present Covid crisis. He also thanked Union Minister; Amit Shah for the consistent focus given on development of infrastructure, improvement of connectivity through railways, airports, ports and road which would go a long way is promoting tourism in North East. Khandu also praised Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi for the special attention accorded to NER in the Act East Policy.
CM of Arunachal Pradesh informed that Arunachal Pradesh, being the largest state in NER with 26 major tribes and 100 sub tribes, displays a perfect case of unity and harmony in diversity and is known for the preservation of culture and environment by the tribes. He informed that after overcoming the challenges of COVID 19, the state of Arunachal Pradesh will move ahead with Tourism.
During his speech Tourism Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Nakap Nalo described the beauty of various tourist destinations in the state and informed that tourism in Arunachal will start from the month of October.
The program ended with vote of thanks to the participating State of Arunachal Pradesh by Deputy Financial Adviser, NEC, B.T.S Dong.
(DIPR, NEC)