Kohima, Aug. 17: One tourist played a tati (a single-stringed Naga musical instrument) as he watched international news on television while another lazed on an intricately woven traditional Naga bedspread appreciating a charcoal drawing by a local artist.

Over the last few years, Hotel Japfu has successfully married world-class luxury with traditional Naga ambience for tourists and visitors. And, in the process, it has gone on to win a gold medal for excellence in business practices awarded by the Geneva-based Foundation for Excellence in Business Practices.

While some of the grandest public sector citadels of the Indian hospitality industry ? such as the Centaur in Mumbai and the Great Eastern in Calcutta ? have suffered losses and become mired in controversies, Hotel Japfu has emerged as an international destination after being taken over by the state-run Nagaland Hotels Limited (NHL). Earlier run by the Ashok Group of Hotels, the hotel was taken over a few years ago.

The suites in the hotel are designed in keeping with the different Naga tribal traditions. One has white-and-black bedspreads and curtains done in Angami Naga style, while in the Ao Naga suite, the bedspread is red, with a painting in water colours and an ethnic cane mat adorning the wall.There is also a suite done in Chakhesang Naga style. But what beats it all is the introduction of authentic Naga cuisine. ?We are taking care it is genuine and the best to be had,? said manager Sh?rhovol Naleo Naleo.

The hotel will be presented with the prestigious award during the ninth International Forum on Business Excellence in Geneva on September 15 and 16.

Hotel Japfu was selected for the award on the basis of recommendations and reports from embassies, government representatives of different countries, world media, information agencies, national credit bureaux and chambers of commerce. The award is a recognition of the hotel?s ?irreproachable business reputation based on corporate governance and high level of corporate achievements? reads the letter from Geneva.

The hotel?s management will officially sign a charter in the presence of leaders of industry and the international community, Naleo said, showing the official confirmation letter signed by the chairman of the foundation.

With more visitors from abroad singling out the hotel, Japf? is undergoing major renovations and expansion of some of its wings. Its sister-unit, Hotel Saramati, based in commercial capital, Dimapur, is also picking up after undergoing some major changes recently. NHL chairman Tiameren, who is a BJP

legislator, said he was proud of the achievement but a lot more needed to be done to attract more tourists.