Addressing the celebration programme of the World Tourism Day 2026 at SHHSS, Chizami village, Phek on 27th September 2026, Commissioner & Secretary, Tourism, Government of Nagaland, Kovi Meyase, has called for greater focus on rural tourism, stressing that Digital Technology and Artificial Intelligence can play a transformative role, unlocking the Tourism potential of rural communities.

Speaking on this year's theme, "Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism", the Commissioner & Secretary highlighted the need to embrace emerging technologies in reshaping tourism sector.

Meyase emphasized that rural areas possess immense tourism potential on account of their unique culture, traditions, landscape, indigenous knowledge and community-based practices, in connection to which he commented and said that Digital Platforms and Artificial Intelligence can help rural destinations gain greater visibility and enable people to connect wider market and create new opportunities amongst local communities. He therefore, encouraged communities to adopt with the changing digital tourism landscape.

Highlighting a significant development coming up in tourism sector in the State of Nagaland, Meyase announced the declaration of Zhavame village of Phek as Digital Tourism Village during the celebration program.

Presentations of cultural activities and folk songs by Chizami Students Union and Meselumi Students Union were the highlights of the programme. The celebration program was organised by Tourism Department Government of Nagaland in collaboration with Chizami Range Students' Union.

Veyielo Doulo, Director, Tourism Department chaired the programme. Diewetso Lohe, Pastor, Sumi Village Baptist church pronounced invocation prayer, and Benediction prayer was offered by Fr. Vekupa George, Principal, SHHSS Chizami. Rukewete K. Edemi, Convener CRSU, delivered the welcome addressed, where Agumbe Nring, Tourist Officer, Phek proposed the vote of thanks.

(DPRO, Phek)