Frontliners of Nagaland Tourism: 56 tour guides officially certified

Kohima: With the growing potential of Nagaland’s tourism sector, at least 56 tour guides, tagged “frontliners” of the tourism industry, from across the state received certification following a 30-day intensive training.

The training, which also included 15 practical days, began on August 23 and concluded on Monday. It was conducted by YouthNet in collaboration with the tourism department, Planning and coordination department and Piers tours and travels.

The closing ceremony was graced by Minister of planning and coordination Neiba Kronu at the YouthNet office.

A total of 110 persons of which 27 are female and 73 are male had registered for the training, following which 93 attended the course and 56 crossed the final barrier and made it to the certification stage.

As the capacity building programme was organised to train young minds beyond traditional jobs, there were participants from six districts—Kohima, Dimapur, Mokokchung, Wokha, Kiphire, and Phek. 

Addressing the gathering, Kronu said the certified tour guides must be ambassadors of the state who will be entertaining tourists interested to learn about Nagaland. He also advised the tour guides to be thorough about the the state’s unique history and cultural heritage, which has been attracting people to the state. 

The minister said there was huge potential for the tourism sector in Nagaland and emphasised on making tourism a year-long affair, and not merely a one-time affair during the Hornbill Festival.

Nagaland Commissioner & Secretary for Tourism I Kitto Zhimomi said the tour guides were “frontliners” for the tourism industry and are headed in the right direction as Nagaland has lots of potential for tourism.

The official advised the tour guides to have positive energy and inculcate the art of story telling. He also advised the youth to give back to the society by acknowledging the efforts of the government and assured all support from the tourism department.

YouthNet director Nuneseno Chase shared that the objective of the training is to make tour guides a professional career opportunity in Nagaland. 

Sharing experience about the training, Biker Onen Nenty said the training has been a blessing for the Nagas. With her experience of touring across all districts of the state, she said that Nagaland has rich culture, food and there is so much to learn about the state. 

With the learnings, she said that she is now more confident to portray Nagaland. She also challenged her fellow trainees to come out of their comfort zones, and as young people, support each other. 

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