Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has congratulated the people of the State on success of Hornbill Festival 2023. In a letter addressed to Minister of Tourism and Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along, CM Rio acknowledged every organisation, group and individual who have made positive contributions towards the success of the festival.
According to the Directorate of Tourism, this edition of the Hornbill Festival was attended by 1,54,057 visitors including 2,108 foreign tourists, 37,089 domestic tourists and 1,14,860 local tourists. Though a huge improvement from last year’s attendance of 1,40,299 visitors, the festival is yet to catch up with 2019’s total attendance of 2,82,811.
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CM Rio said that the Hornbill Festival has always been a celebration of cultures, traditions, and the vibrant spirit of Nagaland. He said that besides providing a platform for cultural exchange, the event also contributes significantly to the socio-economic growth of the region and added that the positive impact on the local communities, businesses, and tourism sector is commendable.
“The “Festival of Festivals” has not just become an annual event but a beacon of unity, promoting harmony and understanding among people from different walks of life,” Rio said in his message.
The Chief Minister on behalf of the Government of Nagaland commended the contributions and sacrifices of all sections especially the people of Nagaland from all walks of life, the cultural troupes and artists for their unwavering dedication and hard work in making this festival a resounding success. We are also grateful to the thousands of tourists international, domestic and local – who have visited the dozens of festival venues and events and added to the success story, he said.
Further, the CM appealed for forgiveness for the “shortfalls that you might have come across and do visit us again with more friends and loved ones.”
Rio and his government especially expressed appreciation and gratefulness to all the Government agencies, tribal organisations, NGOs, civil societies and church organisations, event management groups and participants for contributing towards the grand success of the Hornbill Festival 2023.
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