Kohima, Oct 25: Nagaland’s hospitality sector marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of Polo Hotel Kohima, the state’s first five-star hotel. The 56-room property was formally inaugurated by the Governor of Nagaland, Shri Nand Kishore Yadav, as Chief Guest, bringing an established hotel group from the Northeast to the state capital.
Addressing the inauguration, Governor said that a new hospitality establishment represented more than the opening of a hotel, signalling investment in the region’s future, livelihood opportunities and a commitment to welcoming visitors with professionalism and warmth. He described the hotel as a welcome development as Nagaland attracts growing attention as a tourism destination.
“Tourism is not merely about attracting visitors; it is about creating meaningful experiences while ensuring that local communities benefit from the opportunities tourism generates. The growth of this sector can stimulate entrepreneurship, promote local products, create employment for our youth and strengthen the economic prospects of the state,” he said.
Highlighting the potential of Kohima as a destination for leisure, cultural and business travellers, Shri Yadav noted the importance of the Hornbill Festival in showcasing Nagaland’s cultural heritage to visitors from India and abroad.
He said quality hospitality infrastructure could contribute meaningfully to realising the state’s tourism potential and expressed hope that the hotel would uphold high standards of service, cleanliness, safety and professionalism while reflecting Nagaland’s distinctive character and hospitality.
Nagaland Tourism and Higher Education Minister Temjen Imna Along also addressed the gathering, describing the hotel as a significant addition to the state’s hospitality infrastructure.
He said the establishment would contribute to government revenue and challenged the business community to take bold steps towards investing in Nagaland’s future. Along said the state government and the Tourism Department would partner with the group.
Part of Polo Hotels Group, the hotel extends the group’s presence across the Northeast. Founded in Shillong in 1991, when Hotel Polo Towers opened beside the city’s Polo Ground, the group has expanded its portfolio to include properties in Meghalaya, Tripura and Kolkata. The Kohima property marks its entry into Nagaland and becomes the state’s first chain hotel.
