The nascent tourism industry in the Northeast region has lost a major energizer of the sector with the passing away of tourism activist Zoliana Chhakchhuak (67), said the president of the North East India Tourism Confederation (NEITCO), EB Blah while speaking at the funeral service held at his residence in Shillong.
Zoliana passed away due to multiple health complications yesterday.
Blah said that Zoliana had proven over the years of his association with him, that he was a man full of ideas and had in-depth knowledge about each state of the region. “He has given so many implementable ideas and suggestions which are invaluable”, he said.
As the joint secretary of NEITCO, Zoliana was his main support in any discussion with the state governments or central government entities for planning improved tourism facilities, he said. He believed that nature based tourism could offer sustainable employment for the youth of the region.
He in fact hailed him as the ‘Father of Tourism in North East India”.
Vanlalliana, president of the Mizoram Aero Sports Association (MASA) highlighted that Zoliana was one of the main initiators of paragliding sports in Mizoram, helping to make the state a recognised hub in the annual paragliding calendar.
Zoliana was the Vice president of the MASA. He was also the advisor of Tour Operators Mizoram.
Several organisations among them being the North East India Tour Operators (NEITO), Tour Operators Association of Assam (TOAA), Manipur Tourism Forum (MTF), Tour Operators Meghalaya, laid wreaths and paid their tributes to Zoliana.
The State Bank of India (SBI) SC/ST Employees Welfare Association (SEWA) Shillong Regional Council also recognised his contribution to the workers’ rights within the SBI where he had worked previously.
The Chief Executive Member of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), Pyniaid Sing Syiem sent his condolences to the family of the deceased tourism expert.
After the service Zoliana was laid to rest in the Mizo Cemetery in Nongrah.
