Guwahati, Dec 4: Chief Minister Pema Khandu has urged stakeholders to provide practical, state-specific recommendations to help develop Arunachal Pradesh into a premier destination for adventure tourism.
Speaking at the 16th Annual Adventure Convention of the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) in Tawang, Khandu emphasized that financial resources are not a constraint, but technical expertise is essential.
“The government alone, with its limited technical know-how, cannot fully harness the vast potential of adventure tourism in Arunachal Pradesh,” he stated. “We need input from adventure enthusiasts and organizations like ATOAI to create actionable plans for both state and central governments.”
Khandu praised ATOAI for its initiative in producing a booklet on adventure tourism opportunities and mapping routes for enthusiasts, expressing hope that the six-day convention (December 3-8) would generate innovative ideas to elevate adventure tourism in Arunachal Pradesh, the North East, and across India.
Highlighting the need for tailored solutions, Khandu assured ATOAI of his full support, saying, “Let’s work together to make adventure tourism a top-tier sector. I am with ATOAI whenever and wherever needed.”
Reaffirming the state government’s commitment to sustainable tourism, Khandu advocated for a “high-value, low-volume” tourism model aimed at empowering local communities, promoting homestays, and enhancing skill development. He stressed that the goal should not only be to increase tourist numbers but to create lasting economic benefits while preserving cultural heritage and protecting the environment.
“The vision must be to foster a tourism ecosystem that empowers local communities, preserves cultural identity, and safeguards our environment for future generations,” Khandu said.
