Agape Higher Secondary School, Kiphire, conducted a special Saturday activity on April 12 under the theme ‘Community-Based & Sustainable Tourism’. The event was attended by students, teachers, and invited guests with Longtili C. Sangtam, entrepreneur and journalist as the resource person for the session.

In his address, Longtili highlighted the immense potential of Kiphire district in the field of tourism. He said that the region is blessed with natural beauty, rich culture, and unique rural settings, which can be promoted as eco-tourism, cultural tourism, and rural tourism destinations. He urged the students and the local community to recognize the value of what they already have instead of always depending on higher authorities or outside support.

“We often wait for help from above and forget to start with what we have. But we need to learn to take the first step ourselves,” he said. He emphasized the importance of using local resources wisely and creatively to create opportunities in tourism that are both sustainable and community-driven.

Sangtam explained that tourism is one of the few industries where one get paid for traveling and showcasing what one’s place has to offer. He pointed out successful local efforts such as Singrep Adventure, run by Atsungba, which has become popular for its “floating cloud” experience—an innovative idea that attracts visitors and generates income.

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He also shared about the Singtra Valley in Seyochung Village, where the entire community is working together to maintain and develop the area as a tourism spot. This, he said, is a good example of how unity and local participation can bring real change.

In addition, Sangtam mentioned the Apple Festival and the Kholar Festival as successful local initiatives that not only promote tourism but also help boost the local economy by supporting farmers and showcasing local produce.

The session was both informative and motivational, encouraging young students to think beyond traditional career paths and look at tourism as a growing field full of possibilities. The school expressed its gratitude to Longtili for sharing his valuable insights and for inspiring the students to dream big while staying rooted in their own land and culture, mentioned the press release issued by Longtili Sangtam.