Arunachal Pradesh Tours Operators Association to organize 3-day Travel Congress

The Arunachal Pradesh Tours Operators Association (APTOA) is all set to organize a three-day ‘Travel Congress’ to promote and develop the tourism sector of the state
Arunachal Pradesh Tours Operators Association to organize 3-day Travel Congress

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ITANAGAR: The Arunachal Pradesh Tours Operators Association (APTOA) is all set to organize a three-day 'Travel Congress' to promote and develop the tourism sector of the state, specifically in the West Siang district.

Addressing the media person at the press club here on Tuesday, APTOA president John Panye said that the Congress would be held at Kabu and Kamba village of the West Siang district and would commence on January 19 and conclude on January 22, 2023. The theme of the programme will primarily focus on rural tourism and a holistic approach to sustainable growth.

He said, to ensure empowering rural youths, the association will be organizing plenary sessions, panel discussions, exchange of ideas and experience, etc. To make the congress effective and more meaningful, programmes like the familiarization of tour operators to the locals will be held on the day.

"While we do so, we will also ensure the growth of local tourism in a sustainable way without harming the people, culture, and nature in a holistic approach. Also to inform you, the Siang district region has high potential in the tourism sector. Hence, we are focusing on the district," he said.

The congress will also witness huge participation from tourism stakeholders from East Siang, West Siang, Siang, Upper Siang, Shi-Yomi, Leparada, and Lower Siang districts. There will be minimum participation from other states as the congress is focused on promoting local tourism and providing a platform to unemployed youths in the tourism and hospitality sector.

Panye also said that due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the tourism sector of the state was put on halt for a couple of years. Now, with the Covid situation improving, the state will witness huge growth in the tourism sector. Meanwhile, the association will ensure that the entire congress is held following Covid guidelines issued by the state government, following reports of detection of new variants of Covid.

"Choosing Kabu and Kamba village for the event is to bring the erstwhile Siang district in one platform, and also highlight the district as a nature-based adventure tourism hotspot," he said, adding that the district had much to offer in terms of culture, culinary, river events, handicraft, etc.

On the sidelines, Panye also appealed to the state government to immediately constitute the State Tourism Board (STB) to strengthen the tourism sector to generate employment and revenue for the youths as well as for the state.

He said that the State Tourism Policy was needed for the proper growth of tourism in the state. Therefore, instead of the existing Arunachal Tourism Society (ATS), the state government should establish STB by incorporating expertise from tourism professionals, stakeholders, and government officials.

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