Kohima , 26 October (H.S.): Nagaland has

entered a new phase in its hospitality sector with the inauguration of Polo

Hotel Kohima, the state’s first five-star hotel.

The 56-room

property was inaugurated by Governor Nand Kishore Yadav on Sunday in the

presence of state Tourism and Higher Education Minister Temjen Imna Along and

other dignitaries.

The hotel is

expected to strengthen Kohima’s capacity to accommodate tourists, business

travellers and visitors attending major cultural events, particularly the

annual Hornbill Festival. The property combines premium accommodation with

Naga-inspired architecture, traditional artwork and regional cuisine.

Addressing the

gathering, the Governor said the establishment of a new hotel represented more

than an addition to the state’s infrastructure, as it could generate

employment, encourage investment and create opportunities for local

entrepreneurs.

He said tourism

could stimulate entrepreneurship, promote indigenous products and improve

economic prospects for young people, while ensuring that local communities

benefited from the growing number of visitors to Nagaland.

Highlighting

Kohima’s potential as a destination for cultural, leisure and business tourism,

Yadav referred to the Hornbill Festival as an important platform for showcasing

the state’s rich cultural heritage to domestic and international visitors.

He expressed

hope that the hotel would maintain high standards of service, cleanliness,

safety and professionalism while reflecting the distinctive identity and

hospitality of Nagaland.

Minister Temjen

Imna Along described the hotel as a significant addition to the state’s

hospitality infrastructure. He said the establishment would contribute to

government revenue and urged businesses to invest in Nagaland’s economic

future. The minister also expressed the state government’s willingness to work

with the hotel group and the Tourism Department to promote the sector.

Polo Hotel

Kohima is part of the Polo Hotels Group, which was established in Shillong in

1991 with the opening of Hotel Polo Towers beside the city’s Polo Ground. The

group has since expanded its operations across the Northeast and Kolkata, with

properties in Meghalaya, Tripura and West Bengal. The Kohima hotel marks its

entry into Nagaland and adds to the state’s premium accommodation options.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhijit Deb