In a significant development aimed at transforming the tourism landscape of Nagaland, the Department of Tourism, Government of Nagaland, and Hotel Polo Towers Group, headquartered in Shillong, Meghalaya, signed a historic 60-year Lease Agreement at Hotel Japfu Kohima on September 13, 2023. This milestone Agreement marks a momentous step towards bolstering tourism in the region. The Agreement outlines the collaborative effort to develop a 4/5 Star Hotel with a Mall in Dimapur and a 4/5 Star Hotel in Kohima. These ambitious projects will be executed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model and will operate based on the Design, Build, Maintain, Operate, Manage, and Transfer (DBMOMT) framework.
Under this visionary project, the facility at Tourist Lodge Dimapur will offer top-tier accommodations, a diverse range of dining establishments, entertainment centers, and retail shops. In Kohima, the project aims to provide an unmatched luxury hotel experience catering to both business and leisure travelers, strategically located in the erstwhile New Millennium, New Minister's Hill, Kohima.
Speaking at the Agreement Signing ceremony, Minister for Tourism & Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along, extended gratitude to the Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, whose vision was instrumental in positioning Nagaland as a tourist hotspot. The Minister highlighted the detailed agreement, which outlines a structured, time-bound plan for both initiatives, with a strong commitment to upholding the highest standards of quality, safety, and sustainability. Along also urged HPTG to incorporate Naga consciousness and unique cultural aspects for the success of the projects. In the event of any legal disputes arising during project implementation, he assured that such matters would be resolved within Nagaland.
MLA, Kevipodi Sophie hailed the occasion as a Red Letter Day for both parties and emphasized the long-awaited need for high-standard hotels in Nagaland. He expressed hope that this initiative would usher in a new era of development and progress especially in tourism sector for the people of the state.
During the signing of the Lease Agreement, Keduosie-ü Metha, Director of Tourism, Government of Nagaland, expressed optimism regarding the pivotal role of this Agreement in advancing Nagaland's tourism sector. She conveyed her excitement about collaborating closely with Hotel Polo Towers Group (HPTG) to bring these ambitious projects to fruition.
Deval Tibrewalla, CEO and Director of HPTG, reciprocated the enthusiasm, describing it as an honor to partner with the Tourism Department of Nagaland. He remained optimistic that these initiatives would not only boost the hospitality sector but also contribute to job creation and local economic growth. Tibrewalla also emphasized that this move aligns with HPTG's vision of establishing hotels in major cities across the Northeast.
(Khekiye IA Kohima)
