Tourism in state untapped: Berkana

Deputy Director, US Consulate Kolkata, Moulik D. Berkana and Rai Barua, Information Assistant, Press & Information, US Consulate Kolkata held an informal meeting with the press here at Hotel Saramati, Wednesday to acquaint themselves and get first hand information regarding current issues relating to the state.
During a brief session with media persons, Moulik D. Berkana shared about his experiences in Nagaland. It was his first time to the state and was relatively astonished to witness its diverse and rich culture. “Nagaland has tremendous potential for tourism” said Berkana.
Having traveled extensively through out the country and northeastern states, Berkana believed Nagaland was one of the most fascinating places he has ever visited.
“It is a land of manifold cultures and customs with vast potential for development of tourism industry in the state; however attractive incentive package and optimum utilization of existing resources must be accessible for tourists”, said Berkana, adding that lack of adequate transport, hotels and RAP (Restricted Area Permit) is “cumbersome” for tourists intending to visit Nagaland.
Nagaland, sometimes referred to as the ‘Switzerland of the East’ blessed with exquisitely picturesque landscape, lush green forests and evergreen deep valleys, historical places located in the state capital like the war cemetery and the recently inaugurated World War II museum at Kisama, Berkana alleged that Americans are mostly nature lovers and would love to holiday in Nagaland, but at the same time asserted the state should create a trademark endowed with adequate advertising so that flow of in-bound tourists would not just be a yearly event.
Besides meeting media persons, Berkana also interacted with students and NGOs from Kohima as well as Dimapur.
Earlier Berkana and Barua arrived at the state capital for the statehood day function at Kisama and ‘Photos of Hope’ exhibition jointly organized by the US Consulate, Kolkata, Nagaland State AIDS Control Society and Naga Mother’s Association coinciding with ‘World AIDS Day’.
It is pertinent to mention that ‘Photos of Hope’ exhibition had widely carried out series of AIDS awareness program through photo exhibition, puppet shows, screening of films, inter-college and open quiz competitions held from December 1 to 3.