KOHIMA, Oct 25: Governor Nand Kishore Yadav inaugurated the 56-room Polo Hotel Kohima on Sunday, adding to Nagaland’s hospitality infrastructure. The operator, Polo Hotels Group, described it as the state’s first five-star hotel.
Speaking at the inauguration, Yadav said investment in hospitality could create livelihood opportunities and help Nagaland develop its tourism potential. He stressed that tourism growth should benefit local communities through employment, entrepreneurship and demand for local products.
“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.
The governor highlighted Kohima’s potential to attract leisure, cultural and business travelers, citing the Hornbill Festival’s role in showcasing Nagaland’s 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 state’s cultural identity.
Tourism and Higher Education Minister Temjen Imna Along described the property as a significant addition to Nagaland’s hospitality infrastructure. He said it would contribute to government revenue and urged businesses to invest in the state.
Along also said the state government and the Tourism Department would partner with the group.
Deval Tibrewalla, CEO and whole-time director of Polo Hotels Group, said most employees at the Kohima property were local residents. He said the hotel would source products from local weavers, artists, farmers and carpenters.
The property incorporates Naga textiles, tribal artwork and architectural elements into its interiors. The roof of its Mithun block draws inspiration from traditional morungs, or community spaces. Facilities include an infinity pool and rooms overlooking Kohima and the surrounding valley.
Its all-day restaurant, Tring Tring, serves a seven-course Naga menu alongside Indian, Western and Oriental dishes. The hotel also arranges visits to Kohima’s World War II heritage sites.
“Nagaland has never been short of reasons to visit: the history, the festivals, the food, the hills. We wanted to build a hotel that invites everyone to enjoy these reasons,” Tibrewalla said.
Founded in Shillong in 1991, Polo Hotels Group operates properties in Meghalaya, Tripura and Kolkata. The Kohima hotel marks its entry into Nagaland.
