KHONSA, 27 Sep: The World Tourism Day 2026 was celebrated in Tirap district with a series of activities, promoting sustainable, eco-friendly and responsible tourism.
The programme was jointly organised by the Department of Tourism, in collaboration with the Department of Urban Affairs in Tirap district with this year's theme 'Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism'.
A major highlight of the day was a trekking expedition to the picturesque San-Paa-Kong near Kheti village. Located about 3 km from Kheti village and 6 km from Khonsa headquarters, the trail offered participants an immersive experience of Tirap's lush greenery, serene surroundings and untapped ecotourism potential.
The trek was led by Deputy Commissioner Badonlum Tawsik, along with District Tourism Officer Rigio Tabam, Urban Affairs Assistant Engineer Deksar Boje, RWD Executive Engineer Walat Hondiq, administrative officers, staffers from the DC office, Kheti village GPC, and trekking enthusiasts. The group was also joined by mountaineers Kampo Matey and Miatliam Wangsa.
A photography and reel-making competition was also organised, encouraging participants to capture and share the unique beauty of the trek through digital platforms.
A Swachh Bharat Abhiyan activity further complemented the celebration, reinforcing the importance of cleanliness and environmental responsibility at tourist sites. The programme also served as a platform to sensitise participants and local communities to preserving natural environment and adopting sustainable tourism practices.
In Walong in Anjaw district, the Department of Tourism, in collaboration with the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), and other stakeholders, celebrated the World Tourism Day 2026.
Members of local communities and tourism stakeholders attended the programme to promote sustainable tourism, local livelihoods and visitor safety in the Walong-Kibithoo area.
82nd Mountain Brigade Commander Brigadier Aman Mohan highlighted Anjaw's tourism potential and the role of local communities in shaping visitors' experiences.
He encouraged homestay owners and other stakeholders to work together to make the wider area clean, welcoming and memorable. He also spoke of the importance of cooperation among the government, local communities and the Indian Army in developing tourism and creating livelihood opportunities.
Brigadier Mohan also distributed new and renewed homestay licences to the owners.
District Tourism Officer (i/c) Kago Gyati explained the homestay registration and renewal guidelines, available government schemes, and the benefits of operating registered homestays. Gyati also addressed questions raised by participants during open discussion.
Walong Circle Officer Gemin Tayeng emphasised on cleanliness in homestays throughout the township.
Wenomso Tamai, head gaon bura and proprietor of Nomkholong Homestay, shared lessons from his six to seven years of experience, while Bajenso Kri, proprietor of Eco Resort, Digaru, spoke about his experience in the tourism sector.
An NDRF team demonstrated fire safety measures, and gave homestay owners hands-on practice in using fire extinguishers.
District Disaster Management Officer Nang Chingni Choupoo stressed the need for homestays, resorts and lodges to maintain appropriate fire safety measures. She also highlighted women's role in fire safety, and the responsibility of tourism stakeholders to safeguard visitors in the disaster-prone Walong-Kibithoo area. (DIPROs)
