Q: What are the key factors that have contributed to the success of Arunachal Tourism?
A: The support and leadership of our Hon’ble Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Mr. Pema Khandu have been instrumental in our progress. Their vision and commitment have helped improve connectivity, accommodations, and infrastructure in the state. Today, Arunachal Pradesh stands proudly as one of the finest destinations in the country, boasting improved road and air connectivity, as well as a generous selection of accommodations, including delightful homestays, scattered across the state’s important tourist locations. We should all take pride in our collective efforts to address the crucial infrastructure and human resource needs within the tourism sector over the past five years. Moving forward, we remain committed to our sincere endeavours in further developing this vital industry.
Q: The awards and recognition received by Arunachal Tourism in recent years are quite impressive. Can you tell us more about these achievements and how they reflect your team’s hard work?
A: The awards, including the Lonely Planet Award for the “Best Emerging Tourist Destination in India” and Travel & Leisure magazine’s award for the “Best Emerging Green Destination of 2019”, among others, are a testament to the dedication of our team. They reflect our efforts to promote and develop tourism in the state. It’s a result of our relentless work in marketing and promoting Arunachal Tourism, as well as establishing new destinations on the tourist map.
Q: Let’s delve into some of the major works done by the Department of Tourism over the past five years. Can you provide more details about your flagship schemes and projects, and the creation of new tourist circuits?
A: We’ve achieved significant milestones through schemes like Swadesh Darshan and projects like “Development of Parshuram Kund”, which aim to enhance both the tourist experience and the spiritual and heritage aspects of destinations. Additionally, we’ve opened new tourist circuits, satisfying long-standing demands and showcasing the cultural tapestry of our region.
To give you more details, we have completed Swadesh Darshan 1.0, the flagship scheme of the Government of India, at a total cost of Rs 146.49 Crores. We have commenced Swadesh Darshan 2.0 from this year. The project titled “Development of Parshuram Kund” under the PRASHAD scheme has commenced with a budget of Rs 37.87 Crores. Its aim is to enhance and rejuvenate the spiritual and heritage aspects of Parshuram Kund. It is nearing completion.
Meanwhile, in just a short span of time, Arunachal Tourism has emerged as the most followed social media tourism page among the Northeastern states on Facebook. This clearly showcases our successful endeavours in promoting Arunachal Pradesh as a sought-after tourist destination. We have also successfully established the brand Arunachal Tourism through our relentless marketing and promotional endeavours. Our strategies include advertising in print and electronic media, collaborating with influencers, organising roadshows, events, car, bike, and cycling rallies, as well as participating in and organising webinars, fairs and festivals.
We have also successfully established new destinations such as Anini, Walong, Dambuk, Namsai, Changlang, Longding, Khonsa, Pakke Kessang, and more. Noteworthy is the opening of two new tourist circuits, namely, Deomali – Hukanjuri – Khonsa and Kanubari – Longding.
Q: The impact on entrepreneurship and skill development is also noteworthy. Can you share the initiatives you’ve undertaken to create entrepreneurs and skilled personnel in the tourism sector?
A: We’ve initiated programmes like the Chief Minister Paryatan Vikas Yojana (CMPVY) to provide financial assistance to over 800 beneficiaries in the tourism sector, including restaurants, homestays, and adventure tour operators. Additionally, we’ve been providing training to hospitality graduates and diploma holders as part of the Chief Minister Paryatan Sikhsha Yojana (CMPSY). We have had 80 beneficiaries so far. Over 250 young individuals had the privilege of undergoing training in the Chief Minister Skill Advanced Certificate Course at the esteemed National Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (NIMAS), located in Dirang. During their time at NIMAS, these enthusiastic participants were exposed to a wide range of exhilarating adventure sports. As a result of their training, a number of these talented individuals have successfully pursued careers as paragliding, rafting, and trekking guides.
Q: The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has set the theme for this year as ‘Tourism and Green Investment.’ How do you plan to embrace sustainable and responsible practices in Arunachal Pradesh’s tourism sector, considering the ecological sensitivity of your region?
A: The theme ‘Tourism and Green Investment’ is extremely relevant for us, given our delicate ecosystem. We are committed to embracing sustainable practices by reducing our carbon footprint, promoting energy efficiency, and developing eco-friendly accommodations. It’s crucial that we protect our environment while supporting local businesses and preserving our cultural traditions. The only way we can truly develop our tourism is by embracing sustainable and responsible practises. It’s our only viable option.
Q: How do you see investing in sustainable tourism benefiting not only the environment but also local communities and businesses? What steps will Arunachal Pradesh take to create a brighter future for all?
A: Investing in sustainable tourism is a win-win for everyone. It not only helps protect our environment but also benefits local communities and businesses by creating long-term opportunities. We will take action to ensure a brighter future by promoting eco-friendly practices and supporting local businesses, traditions, and our environment.
As a tribal society, we have been reaping the benefits of sustainable tourism practices for generations. It is crucial that we uphold our legacy by embracing innovative approaches that blend modern technology with our time-honoured traditions. We must strive to decrease our carbon footprint and advocate for energy efficiency by creating eco-friendly homestays, hotels, and resorts.
Q: Can you share with us your thoughts on the role played by individuals within the tourism industry, such as tour operators, guides, homestay owners, and more, in bringing the state to this stage of development?
A: The individuals in our tourism sector have played a vital role in our state’s growth. They are the backbone of our tourism industry, and their dedication and hard work have been instrumental in getting us to where we are today. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the esteemed individuals who make up the backbone of the tourism sector in our state and express my heartfelt gratitude for the tremendous efforts they have made to bring us to the current stage of development.
