The 24th Annual Convention of the Tourist Guides’ Federation of India (TGFI) was held today at Dawrpui Multipurpose Hall, Aizawl. Shri Robert Romawia Royte graced the event as the Chief Guest and Smt Manisha Saxena, Director General, Ministry of Tourism was the Guest of Honour.
Shri Robert Romawia Royte welcomed the delegates and thanked TGFI for organising the conclave in Mizoram. Highlighting the progress and projects of Mizoram Tourism, the Minister said that a first-of-its-kind policy named ‘The Mizoram Responsible Tourism Policy’ had been notified in 2020. The policy aims at sustainable and responsible development of tourism, which shall not only be beneficial and inclusive for all but also environmentally friendly. The Minister introduced the delegates to the recently launched self-guided mobile application ‘Thenzawl Calling’. He added that Yuva Tourism Clubs have been established in several schools and colleges and 89 local tour guides have been certified by Tourism Department so far for the promotion of tourism in Mizoram. He requested the TGFI authorities to enrol these tour guides in the federation.
Addressing the conclave, Guest of Honour Smt Manisha Saxena said that Tourist Guides are the face of the country. She affirmed that India has a legacy of treating guests akin to God (Atithedevo Bhava) and asked the conclave to ensure the continuation of the legacy.
In the afternoon session, Shri V Lalengmawia, Joint Secretary, Tourism Department gave a presentation on ‘Business Promotional Activities from Mizoram Tourism’. Smt Manisha Saxena, Director General; Shri Niraj Saran, Assistant Director General; Shri Anil Oraw, North East Regional Director, Ministry of Tourism each addressed the convention which was followed by a general discussion.
The Tourist Guides’ Federation of India (TGFI) was formed in 1996. It aims to work for the mutual interest of tour guides in the various parts of the country. The basic objective is to have an established organisation that specifically deals with and represents the interest of the Indian Government in the tourism and related sectors.
Today's convocation was attended by 132 delegates coming from different parts of the country.
