Arunachal possesses all ingredients to become leading destination for responsible tourism: Guv

ITANAGAR, 27 Sep: Governor KT Parnaik conferred the annual State Tourism Awards during the World Tourism Day celebration here in the ICR on Sunday.

Tikhak Homestay, Changlang, owned by Bela Tikhak of Miaopum Tours and Travels, received the best homestay award, while Suchusi Homestay, Ziro, and Bomdila Embassy, West Kameng, received commendation awards.

Tsering Wange, proprietor of M/s Himalayan Holidays, West Kameng, received the best tour operator award, while M/s BAC Voyages, Itanagar, and Gandhi Darang, proprietor of M/s Ane Siang Tours & Expeditions, received commendation awards.

Tourism Information Officer of Dibang Valley district, Lamwang Aran, a 2017 batch officer, received the best performing tourism officer award.

The governor launched the Tourism Department's online service portal developed under the ease of doing business initiative on the occasion.

He also released a book titled Homestay Tourism in Arunachal Pradesh, authored by Dr Tashi Lungtan Kee and Dr Sankar Thappa.

Highlighting the unique selling propositions (USP) of Arunachal Pradesh tourism, the governor in his address said that the state possesses all the ingredients to become a leading destination for responsible and experiential tourism.

"Its greatest strengths are its pristine natural environment, rich biodiversity, living tribal heritage, vibrant festivals, spiritual traditions and breathtaking landscapes," the governor said.

He emphasised that Arunachal must promote a diverse range of tourism, including ecotourism, cultural tourism, adventure tourism, spiritual tourism, rural and homestay tourism, agro-tourism, wildlife tourism, wellness tourism, border tourism and festival tourism. The state's unique advantage lies in offering all these experiences within one destination, he said.

Parnaik said that tourism reflects the personality of a state and is far more than an economic activity. "It creates livelihoods, empowers local communities, preserves cultural heritage and strengthens national integration," he said.

The governor said that "the tourism vision must go beyond a few popular destinations and include every district, valley and community as stakeholders in the tourism economy."

He advocated integrated tourism circuits combining all essential dimensions, including eco, cultural, adventure and heritage, to encourage longer stays and wider distribution of tourism benefits.

Emphasising on community participation, the governor said that every suitable tourism village should have quality homestays where visitors can experience local cuisines, agriculture, crafts, folklores and traditional lifestyles. Universities and colleges should support tourism through research, documentation of oral traditions, biodiversity studies and visitor-behaviour analysis, he added.

Highlighting technology as a key enabler, the governor advocated a comprehensive tourism GIS platform and the use of artificial intelligence for visitor forecasting, multilingual assistance, personalised itineraries, feedback analysis and destination management, with the goal of making Arunachal a smart and sustainable mountain tourism destination. He stressed scientific visitor management through carrying-capacity studies, advance booking systems, seasonal distribution and promotion of lesser-known destinations.

"The heart of Arunachal tourism is its people and their partaking. Youth can become trained guides and entrepreneurs, while women can lead homestays, food enterprises and craft-based tourism initiatives," the governor said. He also called for an annual festival calendar, authentic cultural presentations and a distinctive "Arunachal model of tourism," based on community participation and personalised visitor experiences.

Emphasising the need to strengthen tourism infrastructure and services, the governor called for quality hospitality at destinations and along travel routes, affordable transportation, reliable information systems, professional tour operators and skilled manpower. He urged all stakeholders to work together to ensure quality, efficiency and sustainable growth of tourism in the state.

Tourism Secretary Pagli Sora and Tourism Director Rujum Raksap highlighted the state's achievements and initiatives.

As part of the World Tourism Day celebration, the state Tourism Department organised various competitions which enhanced tourism activities.

In the wall painting competition, Tokmem Pertin and August Ligang received the first prize, while in AI videography, Nending Napa was the winner.

In the local cuisine presentation, Beyealu Kri received the first prize, while in local wine competition, Tage Yani received the top prize. Likha Miyu of M/s LM Enterprise received the best exhibitor award.

The Tourism Department, the nodal department for the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) initiative in Arunachal, introduced the participants to the EBSB programme and the Dekho Apna Pradesh tour.

Participants from Arunachal, Uttar Pradesh and Meghalaya - states paired under the EBSB initiative - showcased the spirit of national integration through a joint cultural presentation highlighting the diversity and unity of India's cultural heritage.

Adding a social message to the programme, Roots Arunachal, a prominent theatre and cultural organisation based in Itanagar, presented a thought-provoking skit on Nasha Mukt Bharat, emphasising the importance of a drug-free society, and inspiring the youths to make healthy and responsible choices.

Itanagar Municipal Corporation Mayor Likha Nari Tadar, officers of the Tourism Department, IMC corporators, tour operators, homestay owners and other tourism stakeholders, students of Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) and Rajiv Gandhi Government Polytechnic and members of Yuva Tourism Clubs attended the World Tourism Day celebration. (Lok Bhavan)