NAMSAI, Mar 23: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein asserted that tourism in the State must be community driven, with active participation of local stakeholders including tour operators, homestay owners, self help groups, and entrepreneurs for growth of the sector.
He asserted this while attending the NEITC Convention, organized by the North East India Tour Operators Confederation (NEITC), here today
Addressing the gathering, the Dy CM emphasized that tourism in Arunachal Pradesh must be community driven, with active participation of local stakeholders including tour operators, homestay owners, self help groups, and entrepreneurs. He noted that sustainable growth can only be achieved when communities take ownership and actively contribute, according to a statement from the Dy CM’s media cell.
Highlighting the theme of the panel discussion on ‘Sustainable Tourism and Community Participation’, Mein stressed the importance of promoting tourism that is clean, green, inclusive, and well regulated. He called for strict adherence to homestay guidelines to maintain quality and authenticity while avoiding unregulated expansion.
He further underlined the significant improvements in connectivity and infrastructure in recent years, which have enhanced accessibility and opened new avenues for tourism growth, bringing the state closer to national and international tourism circuits.
The Dy CM also emphasized the need to preserve and promote the State’s rich cultural heritage and natural resources, while encouraging community and entrepreneur-led tourism models for long term sustainability.
Reiterating the government’s commitment, he stated that Arunachal Pradesh has immense potential to emerge as a premier tourism destination, driven by responsible, inclusive, and sustainable development.
The inaugural session was also attended by Rajendra Kumar Suman, Regional Director North East, Ministry of Tourism, NEITC president E B Blah, Convention Chairman Tsering Wange, and Deputy Commissioner Namsai, C R Khampa among other tour operators from North East Indian states.
DIPRO Namsai adds: The North East India Tourism Convention held at the Multipurpose Hall here brought together officials, stakeholders, and members of the public.
The programme commenced with a mass singing of Vande Mataram, followed by the observance of a two-minute silence in honour of the brave freedom fighters of the nation.
The event graced by Dy CM Chowna Mein also saw Namsai DC C R Khampa and DC Lohit K N Damo, and HoOs.
The convention emphasized the promotion and development of tourism in North East India, with discussions focusing on opportunities, challenges, and strategies to boost the sector in the region.