Correspondent

MEBO, 3 Oct: The tourism department of East Siang, in collaboration with the district administration, organised a one-day training programme on "Homestay Development, Management and Best Practices" at the ADC's Conference Hall here on Saturday.

The programme was designed for homestay owners, prospective entrepreneurs and tourism stakeholders who had not previously undergone formal training.

Community representatives, self-help groups (SHGs) and youth groups from the district were also invited to participate.

Experts from Sikkim's Temi-Namphing region, Amrit Sarmah and Jeet Chetry, highlighted various aspects of sustainable tourism and its development in Sikkim and other Himalayan states. The duo encouraged young entrepreneurs of the Siang Valley to promote cultural tourism by incorporating traditional food menus featuring locally available ingredients.

The resource persons stressed the need to empower homestay owners with essential skills and improve service standards.

Participants received hands-on training in key areas of hospitality, including housekeeping practices, guest services, and food safety and hygiene.

During the interactive session, the experts explained professional service standards, quality guest care and improved homestay management practices.

Among others, district tourism officer Leena Perme and Mebo EAC Oyem Saring also spoke on the occasion. Around 30 participants from East Siang district attended the training.

It may be mentioned that the tourism department of East Siang and Namphing in Sikkim have signed an MoU to jointly conduct a series of programmes aimed at promoting sustainable and community-based tourism.