Kohima, Dec 05: The US consulate general in Kolkata George M. Sibley today underscored enormous potential of tourism sector in Nagaland and had a word of appreciation for the state government for organising the five-day 'Hornbill Festival'. Sibley, accompanied by his old mother and other officials of the diplomatic mission, visited Nagaland in connection with the on-going Hornbill Festival at Kisama about 12 km south of the capital town, and applauded the state government's endeavours to promote tourism in the state.
Before leaving for Kolkata, he told newsmen here that his office can play the role of a facilitator in persuading the US tour operators in bringing tourists to Nagaland "but it is upto the state government to frame policies and focus priorities in this sector".
Stating that the state government should decide first whether it wants to promote mass tourism or a restricted inflow of tourists, the diplomat pointed out that the existing restricted area permit (RAP) system in the North-East came in the way of smooth visits of foreign tourists. Bureau Report