Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the “Tribal Cultural Experience” project in Chumoukedima district of Nagaland on Thursday (March 8). The initiativeof the Ministry of Tourism, seeks to enrich visitors’ experiences with tribal culture at the Midway Retreat in Tsiepama village, located between Kohima and Dimapur, the state’s capital and commercial hubs, respectively.

According to officials, the Tribal Cultural Experience will offer tourists the chance to immerse in traditional cottages, delve into the rich cultural heritage and lifestyle of the Naga people, and savour authentic Naga cuisine. The project was among the 53 inaugurated nationwide by the Prime Minister under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme.

The virtual inauguration, conducted from Srinagar, was broadcast live by the Tourism Department, with several state government dignitaries in attendance. State Tourism Commissioner & Secretary Kitto Zhimomi emphasised Nagaland’s potential in the tourism sector, urging the state to capitalise on the opportunity despite missing out on industrial and green revolutions.

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Zhimomi highlighted that multiple projects were completed in six districts under the first phase of the Swadesh Darshan scheme and outlined plans for Niuland and Chumoukedima districts under Swadesh Darshan 2.0. He expressed hope for further funding to extend these initiatives to the remaining eight districts.

Kejaroko Pieru, President of the Nagaland Association of Tour Operators, stressed the necessity of adequate infrastructure for rural and remote destinations like Nagaland to reap benefits from tourism. Pieru highlighted the holistic development aspect of tourism, emphasising community empowerment, cultural preservation and sustainable livelihoods.