Tawang, Sep 25: In a significant move to enhance the local tourism industry, a comprehensive "Refresher cum Capacity Building Training Programme" for tourism stakeholders was held in Tawang today. The initiative was envisioned and initiated by Deputy Commissioner, Namgyal Angmo and was organised by the Department of Tourism, Tawang.
Speaking on the occasion, the DC stressed that the behaviour, presentation, and professional conduct of stakeholders directly shape a visitor's impression and must be developed hand-in-hand with economic growth. Echoing the vision of the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh for sustainable tourism, Namgyal emphasised that tourism must be developed not just for economic gain, but in a way that ensures the preservation of the environment, culture, tradition, and heritage of the region. She called for a strategic shift in focus from the sheer volume of tourists to the quality of services provided. "Tourism is the backbone of our economy," she stated. "It is our collective responsibility to not only welcome visitors but to provide them with a safe, clean, and memorable experience while preserving our pristine environment and unique culture." She further expressed confidence that such capacity-building exercises will go a long way in preparing local stakeholders to provide safe, sustainable, and visitor-friendly tourism services, thereby boosting Tawang’s image as a premier destination.
District Tourism Officer (DTO) Tawang Tsering Dekey thanked the Deputy Commissioner for her visionary and much-needed initiative, urging all stakeholders to take full advantage of the training.
The training session was comprehensive, covering a wide range of critical topics. Experts from the KDS District Hospital (Dr. Tenzin Kunga, MS and his team)., Fire Services, and the Police Department (OC PS Tawang Niyi Angu) conducted sessions on first aid and basic emergency response, fire safety and evacuation drills, and traffic and parking discipline, respectively.
The program also included key sessions on environmental responsibility. The Department of Forest led a session on biodiversity and ecosystem awareness and the importance of forest conservation. Additionally, the Department of UD & Housing trained stakeholders on sustainable tourism practices, with a special focus on waste management.
The program concluded with an interactive session that allowed for a valuable exchange of ideas among all participants. This collaborative effort marks a significant step towards solidifying Tawang's position as a premier tourist destination, celebrated for both its breathtaking natural beauty and the professionalism of its tourism sector.