The 24th Annual Conference of the Tourist Guide’s Federation of India (TGFI) was underway in the Dawrpui Multipurpose Hall in the capital of Mizoram. The federation was established in 1996 and has nearly 3500 members. About 150 of them are attending this event in Aizawl, and some of them are visiting Northeast India for the first time.
Robert Romawia Royte, the Minister of State for Tourism, Sports, ICT & DMCA (IC) of Mizoram inaugurated the event. Speaking on the occasion, he thanked TGFI for organizing the event in Mizoram. As the chief guest, he mentioned that it is an excellent opportunity to promote Mizoram Tourism. He also pointed out the importance of trained tourist guides towards the attraction of tourists. And the state had trained a total of 89 guides in 2021 who are now working across seven districts.
The minister also highlighted the importance of promoting sustainable tourism. And how it is essential towards the preservation of the region and the culture. As well as promoting the holistic development of the entire country.
Manisha Saxena, the Director General of the Ministry of Tourism highlighted the importance of well-groomed tourist guides as the Guest of Honor. And how they can contribute to the improvement of the tourism demand. She also highlighted the importance of training them in a way that the tourists visit the destination again.
The Director General also stated that the times have changed and so have the expectations of the tourists. They are more inclined towards experiencing the local culture and customs. And tourists expect to try out the handicrafts as well as the cuisines of the places that they visit.
She called the tourist guides the face and representatives of the country. As such, they need to interact as much as possible with the tourists to understand their demands.
