Gerald Samuel Duia, Founder & Proprietor of Duia Trailblazers, is a passionate explorer and adventurer with more than 10 years of experience in the field where he started out as a tour guide and a photographer trying to show the world the beautiful state of Meghalaya and its travel treasures. Throughout his professional journey he has encountered various unique experiences, diverse cultures, unique communities and great adventures which has led him to curate handcrafted experiences and offer visitors a True Meghalayan Experience. He is currently the General Secretary of Tour Operators Association of Meghalaya (TOAM) and General Secretary of Tour Guides Association of Meghalaya (TGAM).
Q: How important is it for tour operators in the Northeast—especially Meghalaya—to work with local communities?
A: It is highly important as the definition of tourism by UNWTO itself states that the host communities should benefit the most. The Northeast region itself is made of various communities and tribes and sub-tribes, so it is of ethical essence that tour operators have nothing to offer as experiences to tourists if they don’t have a strong relationship with the local communities, because at the end it is the tour operator who depends on the community in curating experiences and in turn the communities gain livelihood and economic generation through such activities for which this has to go hand in hand in a long way in order to improve tourist experiences and give quality over quantity.
Q: What are some of the tourism challenges that Meghalaya is facing?
A: High competition, marketing, market access. We try our best to brief our guests about our operations and the things we do, we always encourage sustainable and responsible travel. It is a challenge since many don’t understand about our approach but so far the visitors who have availed our services have never complained about anything and have always carried fond memories back.
Q: What are some offbeat destinations in Meghalaya that should be on a traveller’s radar?
A: Various destinations like Mawphanlur, Mairang, Pariong, Mawkyrwat, Umden, Khliehriat, and several locations in the Garo Hills.\
Q: What inspired you to get into tourism?
A: With more than 10 years of experience in the field, I started as a tour guide with a passion to explore and show people our beautiful state. With many years of experience at the grassroot level working with various communities, I decided to pursue tourism as a career. I have completed both UG & PG in Tourism Studies. I then decided to start Duia Trailblazers in March 2018 with an aim to give visitors to the state a True Meghalayan Experience.
Q: Can you briefly describe how you promote responsible tourism in Meghalaya?
A: Duia Trailblazers is a tour operator registered and recognised by the Tourism Dept., Govt. of Meghalaya. Our organization specializes in Eco Rural Tours, Culture & Heritage Tours and Adventure Tours. Our packages are curated and handcrafted experiences putting all the unique elements in one experience. We work closely with various communities at the grassroot level by providing livelihood to the local youths through the activities and tours that we conduct. We promote sustainable and responsible practices. We encourage guests to take nothing from nature except photographs and fond memories.
