AIZAWL: Union Minister for Tourism, Culture and Development of Northeastern Region (DoNER), G. Kishan Reddy during a press conference at Aijal Club here said that many of the people from various parts of the country are still to explore the NE Region and its rich natural beauty.
Minister Reddy while underlining the indispensable role of infrastructure in boosting tourism in the region said that the NE states have so far been unaware of the huge potential of tourism.
While underlining the fact that development of tourism sector and of infrastructure go hand in hand, the DoNER minister said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the Centre has been laying its focus on boosting infrastructure. He further added that this is one of the reasons why International Tourism Mart have been organised in the Northeast.
During his interaction at the Aijal Club, Reddy highlighted that International Tourism Mart in line with India's G20 Presidency will be an important part for facilitating interaction between the region's tourism fraternity and entrepreneurs.
Further briefing on the International Tourism Mart scheduled to be held in Mizoram's capital city, the minister said that its events will stress on the priorities for the tourism sector.
It may be mentioned here that out of 200 conferences to be organised in over 50 cities of the country as part of India's G20 Presidency from December 1, 2022 to November 30, 2023, one event will be organised in Aizawl.
DoNER Minister G. Kishan Reddy remarked that with peace ushering in the region, there is a conducive environment for various developmental activities. Under such conditions, the Ministry of Tourism has also brought in the Prasad Scheme which will enable development of many destinations as tourism spots.
Under the same scheme, as many as 9 viewpoints are slated to be constructed in Mizoram alone, said the DoNER Minister. This project at an estimated cost of Rs. 12.78 crores will be undertaken by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) at Zemabawk, Tlangnuam, Phulmawi, Pangzawl, Tualthu, Thingkah, Keifang, Puilo and Neihdawn and will be equipped with facilities like public toilets and eateries among others.
The Minister also added that's funds worth over Rs. 1337 crores have been spent on NE tourism under Swadesh Darshan Scheme with as many as 100 viewpoints constructed across the region.
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