ETW Staff – Mumbai
The Government of Manipur in collaboration with Ecotourism Society of India (ESOI) is organising India’s first Eco-Tourism Conclave at Imphal, Manipur on April 7-8, 2014. The two-day conclave will cover various topics including; adventure tourism, heritage tourism, MICE tourism, golf tourism, polo tourism, medical tourism, water based tourism and sports, rural tourism, culture tourism. The conclave would also showcase for the benefit of all stakeholders, some of the best eco tourism related practices in India and the world. The conclave’ will also cover topics like destination development and marketing, role of media in tourism.
Rajesh Kumar, principal secretary (Tourism), Government of Manipur opined, “The conclave would bring into national focus, the rich natural assets, heritage and culture of Manipur, apart from the inherent adventure and sporting spirit of the people, such as the polo tourism which was born in Manipur. The state is also working on developing tourism activities in and around Loktak Lake, which is the largest fresh water lake in the North East, located 45 kilometers South-West of Imphal. This would help in conservation and protection of endangered species like the brow antlered deer, popularly known as the Sangai. Manipur is also proud to have the only official Indian National Army (INA) War Museum at Moirang dedicated to the Second World War.”
Rakesh Mathur, secretary, ESOI, stated, “The conclave will be the first time in which apart from the role of culture, media, homestay and community, ecotourism practices, code of ethics and guidelines under the safe and honourable tourism, etc., diverse topics on tourism would be highlighted.”
Adding about his expectations from the conclave, Mathur added, “We are organising the conclave because North East region in India is an emerging destination and the connectivity is also slowly improving. Hence it is not only appropriate to organise a tourism conference but also it is important to sensitise the local service providers to the needs of responsible tourism. So, our conclave is not just about responsible tourism but also taking advantage to promote Manipur and the North Eastern region as a whole.”
