ITANAGAR | Jun 09 | Appreciating ‘Tourist friendly Arunachal’, theme of three-day tourism annual conference-2017, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein today termed such deliberation was the need of the hour to make Arunachal tourists-friendly.
Addressing the valedictory function in Tourism directorate here, he congratulated the stakeholders for their efforts and exhorted them to tap state’s huge tourism potentials by evolving pragmatic promotion strategy.
Tourism industry could be a major source of revenue and employment generator as the state is endowed with vast cultural diversity and enchanting tourist spots could woo tourists, Mein said, adding this year’s budget has mainly focused on tourism development and health sector improvement to receive wider appreciation. The high potential agriculture and horticulture sectors could be developed, explored and harness for greater benefit of the masses, he said. and advocated tourist infrastructure development and clear marketing strategy.
While highlighting tourism role in creating employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, he called upon stakeholders and APTOA members to develop innovative idea and go for promoting rich handloom and handicraft of every tribes as part of tourism growth besides preparing a roadmap to develop handicraft & handloom centres in every strategic location.
Tourism Parliamentary Secretary P D Sona while appreciating CM and DyCM for giving special focus on tourism with enhanced budget, elaborated on GoAP initiatives to boost tourism sector. He hoped that the outcome of the conference would give a fillip to tourism industry. The conference aimed at bringing all stakeholders to one platform to help in framing a pragmatic tourism policy.
Tourism secretary Joram Beda said that through the department has tried to explore a number of key themes, including developing sustainable tourism industry, promoting innovative energy initiatives and ensure the conservation, preservation and protection of natural environment as a priority besides formulation of annual action plan .
Two technical sessions on diverse issues on identified themes involving all delegates, chaired by Sona was part of the conference.
Tourism director Karma Leki, DIOs, TIOs, Arunachal Pradesh Tour Operators Association members, among others, were present. (PRO)
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