Inaugurating a three-day conference on Tourism Development in the Northeastern Region, Apang regretted that the region was always getting a distorted image in the outside media, an image which has stood in the way of of both international and domestic tourists visiting this enchanting region.

``An integrated master-plan is a must for tourism development in the region, and this should also include an image-building exercise,'' Apang aid, at the same time emphasising that all the eight states should act together.

Lauding the efforts of Assocham, the organisers of the conference, Apang urged the Industry and trade bodies to work hand in hand with the Government to create infrastructure such as hotels, roads and transportation.

``It is a matter of regret that not a single large hotel group of thecountry has thought of opening hotels in the Northeast,'' the Minister remarked.

Apang also urged the Industry captains to identify specific destinations of the region, in addition to developing human resources, in order to provide employment opportunities to the youth, in the process.

Earlier, speaking on the occasion, K P Singh, the Assocham president described the Northeast as an exciting destination waiting to be marketed and explored. ``The region has all the magic ingredients to attract large number of tourists, but the Governments, both in the region as well as the Centre, have neglected the Tourism Sector,'' he said.

A large number of tour operators, hoteliers, potential investors and Government officials are attending the conference, which has been jointly organised by the Assocham with the North-East chamber of Commerce and Industry (NECCI).