'Negative publicity affects Nagaland tourism'

Kohima, Jun 13: Nagaland Tourism Commissioner and Secretary Khekiye Sema has said more than five decades of negative publicity of Nagaland has cost the state dearly, particularly in the tourism sector, despite the increase in the flow of tourists.

Speaking as the Chief Guest at the inaugural function of the four-day long refresher course on Tourism here yesterday, Mr Khekiye rued that media representation of the state as in a war-like state of conflict between militant factions and security forces along with instances of arson had created a 'psychological barrier or a mind block situation' to outsiders, thus projecting Nagaland as a dangerous place. However, not a single tourist was harassed in the state so far.

Mr Khekiye also said that the security situation was not as severe as being projected to outsiders by a section of media from outside the state, who were publicising only the state's negative aspects.

He said that there had been an increase in the flow of tourists for pleasure travel and at least 3,600 foreign tourists had visited the state and so far there was no instance of tourists being harassed.

''The innately hospitable Nagas need to polish up their talents and explore the possibility of chipping in towards tourism and hospitality sector in the state, he said.

UNI