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Gold category Award 795 applications from the country from 315 districts for Best Tourism Village Competition
BY DEBAJYOTI CHAKRABORTY
KOLKATA, 27 SEPTEMBER 2023
World Tourism Day celebration was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi today. On this occasion, Reiek village was declared the BEST TOURISM VILLAGE OF INDIA to receive Gold Award. Reiek village is among the five best villages in India to receive the Gold Award. On behalf of the village and the state of Mizoram, Pu Robert Romawia Royte, Tourism Minister received the award from Union Tourism Secretary Smt V. Vidyavathi.
The Best Tourism Village Competition was organized by the Central Nodal Agency for Rural Tourism, Ministry of Tourism. More than 750 applications were submitted from 315 districts and 31 states of India.
Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Pu Robert Romawia Royte, Tourism Minister of Mizoram said that the award is dedicated to the people of reiek village and their efforts to protect and promote their cultural and natural resources are now being recognized and rewarded.
The Best Tourism Village Competition was launched on February 16, 2023 by the Ministry of Tourism. Through various stages, 80 best villages were selected in early September. Power Point Presentation on the selected villages were screened before the National Evaluation Committee. Video clips were also submitted. Based on the performances, Gold, Silver and Bronze awards were awarded to the 35 best villages. Reiek Village is among the five Gold Award winners from the final selection.
Nine evaluation parameters directly linked to the Sustainable Development Goals were used to determine the award:
Cultural and Natural Resources, Economic Sustainability,Environmental Sustainability, Governance and Prioritization of Tourism, Health, Safety and Security, Promotion and Conservation of Culture, Development of Social Sustainability, Tourism Development and Value Chain Integration, and Infrastructure and Connectivity.
Pu Robert Romawia Royte, Tourism Minister was accompanied by Joint Secretary Tourism Pu V Lalengmawia, VCP Reiek Pu Lalrozama and other officials.
ABOUT REIEK VILLAGE:
Reiek is one of the most popular villages in Mizoram because of tourism. Tourism started gaining momentum in Reiek Village when the Tourism Department started organizing the annual Anthurium Festival at Reiek in 2006. The festival has become one of the most successful tourism promotional events in the State attracting visitors from all over the State as well as from outside the State. Reiek peak offers the most spectacular view of sunrise and sunset amidst the rolling hills and valleys. Many visitors come to Reiek for trekking, caving, adventure sports, camping and picnics. On a clear night, one can also see clearly the Milky Way Galaxy glowing across the night sky above Reiek Peak. Many photographers camp out here to take amazing pictures of the Milky Way. There is a Mizo Heritage Village at the base of Reiek Mountain where the local community regularly organizes live display of traditional Mizo lifestyles. It enables visitors to take a peek into the glorious past of the valiant highlanders.
1. Reiek village also sets example by planting flowering trees and vegetable gardens alongside the streets that not only adds charm and appeal to the quaint little village but also enables them to live sustainably. Almost every house has rainwater harvesting system as well. Reiek is also a pioneer in establishing a governance system for tourism in a village setting. Reiek Tourism Development Board was formed in 2018 under the Chairmanship of the Village Council President comprising members from local NGO’s like the Youth organization, Women organization and prominent citizens of the village. The Board communicates and coordinates with the State Tourism Department for implementation of National and State level policies regarding tourism in the village.
2. The local communities at Reiek undertook initiatives like organizing regular Cleanliness Drive, Tree plantation Drive, Environmental Awareness Programme and Tourism Awareness Programme. The village promotes healthy and hygienic lifestyles though these initiatives and is one of the cleanest villages in the entire country.
3. Rural tourism model of Reiek is being emulated by other villages in Mizoram.
Meanwhile, Dr Lalrozama, Secretary, Tourism Department welcoming the participants at the celebration of World Tourism Day 2023 held in Aizawl today. Also Dr R Lalrinchhani, Deputy Director, Tourism Department gave insightful presentation on Green Tourism & Investment at the celebration of World Tourism Day. Pu TC Pachhunga, Hon’ble Vice Chairman, Tourism Development Board & Chief Guest talked about importance of fostering sustainability in tourism development at the celebration of World Tourism Day in Aizawl.
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