ITANAGAR, Aug 26: Anil Oraw, Regional Director (North East) Ministry of Tourism, called on Secretary (Tourism and Civil Aviation), Swapnil Naik at his office in Itanagar on Friday. They discussed on various issues pertaining to the development of the tourism industry in the state, including the promotion of tourism events under the Vibrant Villages Programme in Arunachal Pradesh. They also discussed about state’s participation in the upcoming International Travel Mart to be held in Shillong, Meghalaya from November 19-21 next. It was also proposed by Oraw, that the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh can host a group of foreign tour operators for a FAM trip to various parts of the state.
The day started off with an interactive session between Anil Oraw, and the YUVA Tourism Club members of Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 2, Itanagar.
In his address, Oraw spoke about the role of YUVA Clubs in schools and colleges, and how they can play an important role in promoting tourism in society.
A meeting with state officials and Travel Trade and Hospitality Stakeholders was also held later during the day at the State Food Craft Institute, Itanagar to discuss about the various ongoing projects in the state by the Ministry of Tourism, and also to discuss the issues faced by the tourism stakeholders and to discuss a way forward. The event was graced by K.N. Demo, Director (Tourism), Smt. Bengia Manna Sonam, Dy. Director, Dept. of Tourism,  State Tourism Officers, Homestay Operators, and other participants.
Interacting with the participants, Oraw asked the tour operators to identify experts for conducting training programmes in the state like on digital marketing, social media, adventure training programmes, skill development for home stay operators and housekeeping staff, and sensitization of taxi drivers, etc. He also urged the tour operators to increase their presence on all social media platforms and promote lesser-known destinations of the state by supporting local products.
Talking about the Vibrant Villages Programme, Oraw also informed about the upcoming festival at Kibithoo under the Vibrant Villages Programme to celebrate crafts, culture and cuisine of the village. He also urged everyone to promote sustainable practices at all tourist destinations and maintain cleanliness.
The stakeholders also interacted with Oraw and asked for more support for participating in trade fairs, conducting training programmes for guides, training, licensing and recognition of guides, relaxation/concession of GST in tourism products/services, organize one common festival for entire Arunachal Pradesh, etc. They were also grateful for the support provided by the Ministry of Tourism (North East) for the development of tourism in the state and looked forward for a continuous engagement.

---

Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

<< Back to News List