Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh deputy CM Chowna Mein has emphasised that tourism in the state must be community-driven, with active participation of local stakeholders, including tour operators, homestay owners, self-help groups, and entrepreneurs.Speaking during the inaugural session of the North East India Tour Operators Confederation (NEITC) convention at Namsai on Monday, Mein noted that sustainable growth can only be achieved when communities take ownership and actively contribute.Highlighting the theme of the panel discussion on “Sustainable Tourism and Community Participation,” he stressed the importance of promoting tourism that is clean, green, inclusive, and well-regulated. He called for strict adherence to homestay guidelines to maintain quality and authenticity while avoiding unregulated expansion.The deputy CM further underlined the significant improvements in connectivity and infrastructure in recent years, which have enhanced accessibility and opened new avenues for tourism growth, bringing the state closer to national and international tourism circuits.Mein also emphasized the need to preserve and promote the state’s rich cultural heritage and natural resources, while encouraging community and entrepreneur-led tourism models for long term sustainability.Reiterating the govt’s commitment, he stated that Arunachal has immense potential to emerge as a premier tourism destination, driven by responsible, inclusive, and sustainable development.Ministry of tourism NE regional director Rajendra Kumar Suman, NEITC president EB Blah, convention chairman Tsering Wange, Namsai deputy commissioner CR Khampa, and tour operators from North East Indian states attended the inaugural session.
