Forum needed to promote NE tourism: Aiyer

Gangtok, Apr 29: DoNER minister Mani Shankar Aiyer said a North East Development Forum will be constituted to promote and develop tourism in the North East region, official sources today said.

Taking to newsmen yesterday after the conclusion of the two-day long North East Council's (NEC) sectoral summit on Tourism and Hospitality, Mr Aiyar said the decision was taken at the summit.

Mr Aiyer said the forum would have corporate stake holders from public and private sectors as its members.

The Governors, Chief Ministers and other ministers of the NE region agreed to constitute the forum to give a boost to tourism in the region.

He said all decisions taken in the summit for the promotion of tourism were labelled under 'Gangtok declaration'.

Mr Aiyer further added that the summit also decided to treat tourism in the NE as the main thrust area and Centre would extend support during the 11th plan period.

The minister further claimed that tourism sector had a high potential for employment generation.

He also have invited all NE states to take advantage of various schemes under Tourism Ministry and funding by NEC and Non Lapsable Central Pool Resources (NLCPR) for infrastructural development.

UNI