With his trademark charisma and deep-rooted pride in Naga heritage, Temjen Imna Along, Nagaland’s Tourism Minister, is emerging as one of the most dynamic voices shaping India’s northeastern travel narrative. In recent months, he has amplified a powerful message: Nagaland is ready for the world — and the world is increasingly ready for Nagaland.
Taking Hornbill Beyond Borders
While the annual Hornbill Festival continues to be the crown jewel of Nagaland’s tourism calendar, Minister Along has made it clear that the celebration must evolve into a year-round movement.“We don’t want the Hornbill experience to remain limited to Kisama. We envision a ‘travelling Hornbill’ — a mobile cultural showcase that brings our music, dance, food, and craft to other parts of the country,” he shared at recent forums. This approach, he believes, will not only break long-standing stereotypes about the Northeast but will also invite curiosity and admiration for Naga identity nationwide.
A Surge in Demand, A Call for Connectivity
With the upcoming Hornbill Festival reportedly seeing near-complete pre-bookings months in advance, the minister highlighted an urgent need for improved accessibility. “Interest from across the country and abroad — from places as far as Libya and Mongolia — is heartening, but we need more affordable flights and smoother connectivity,” he noted.His call to the Centre and aviation stakeholders is clear: without robust infrastructure, the tourism boom could outpace the state’s ability to welcome visitors comfortably.
Beyond the Known: Nagaland’s Hidden Corners
While Hornbill steals the spotlight, Minister Along is quietly pushing for a broader tourism canvas. He speaks passionately about little-known destinations like Dayang Lake, the untouched terrains of Mokokchung, and cultural hubs nestled in remote districts. These, he says, represent Nagaland’s untapped soul — raw, authentic, and waiting to be discovered.
The message is strategic: the state cannot afford to depend solely on a single festival or location. “True tourism growth will come when we distribute experiences across geographies and seasons,” he believes.
Sustainability at the Core
Temjen Imna Along has also lent strong support to a sustainability-first approach. During the recently concluded Nagaland International Conference on Tourism, Transport and Logistics (NICTTL), his ministry backed several resolutions focusing on responsible tourism, eco-sensitivity, and local participation.
“This isn’t about selling destinations — it’s about preserving them while empowering communities,” his office emphasized, aligning with national and global calls for conscious travel.A Minister Who Leads by CulturePerhaps what sets Temjen Imna Along apart is his deep personal connect with his cultural roots. Whether it’s promoting tribal artisans or speaking candidly about the Northeast’s place in the Indian imagination, his leadership reflects authenticity.Under his watch, Nagaland’s tourism strategy is becoming more inclusive, accessible, and ambitious. His vision merges pride in heritage with the realities of a fast-changing travel industry — and in doing so, he’s positioning Nagaland as one of India’s most compelling cultural frontiers.
