Tag Archives: Pema Khandu

The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) will hold its 16th annual Adventure Convention in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, from 3rd to 8th December 2024. The six-day convention will bring together adventure tourism professionals from across the country to explore and highlight Arunachal’s immense potential as India’s next premier adventure destination. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu firmly believes that the state holds incredible promise as India’s leading adventure tourism destination and expressed optimism that the convention will showcase the untapped opportunities Arunachal has to offer, bringing both economic growth and global recognition of Arunachal. State’s Tourism Minister P D Sona too underscores the importance of investment in adventure tourism that will not only drive economic development but also preserve the natural and cultural heritage of Arunachal Pradesh. He is of the opinion that nurturing sustainable tourism will create a bright future for India as a global adventure hub. The convention will feature a packed schedule of sessions, panel discussions, and awards recognising excellence in the industry. Adventure tourism leaders from across India will join local operators to foster partnerships, with an aim to create sustainable tourism models for Arunachal and beyond. Exclusive familiarisation (FAM) trips will allow attendees to explore the state’s breath-taking, unexplored terrains, showcasing its adventure potential. Preceding the convention, a specialised adventure guide training programme will be held in Itanagar, the state’s capital, led by experts to help build local capacity and professionalism in the adventure tourism sector. The unveiling of ATOAI’s roadmap for Arunachal Pradesh will further outline future growth and investment opportunities in the region. As per Ajeet Bajaj, President, ATOAI, the association is dedicated to making India one of the world’s premier destinations …

Union Minister of State (I/C) Tourism K J Alphons, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Arunachal Pradesh Tourism Minister Jarkar Gamlin inaugurated two projects under Swadesh Darshan Scheme of Ministry of Tourism at PTSO Lake in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh. These projects are ‘Development of Northeast Circuits: Bhalukpong- Bomdila – Tawang Project & Nafra- Seppa- Pappu, Pasa, Pakke Valleys- Sangdupota- New Sagalee- Ziro- Yomcha Project’. Other important dignitaries were also present on the occasion. Speaking at the event, Alphons said, “The efforts of Ministry have shown positive results and the foreign tourist arrivals in the region have shown an upward trend over the years. The region received a total of 1.69 lakh foreign tourist visits during 2017 as against 1.45 lakh in 2016 registering a growth of 16.7% over 2016. The domestic tourist visits reached to 95.47 lakhs in the year 2017 against 77.71 lakhs registering impressive double digit growth of 22.8% over 2016. The increased number of tourists in turn has created better employment opportunity for the local population in the region.” Under the project development of Bhalukpong- Bomdila – Tawang, the Ministry has developed facilities like accommodation, cafeteria, wayside amenities, last mile connectivity, pathways, toilets, multipurpose hall at Jang, Sorang Monastery, Lumpo, Zemithang, Bumla Pass, Gritsang TSO lake, PTSO Lake, Thingbu and Grenkha Hot Spring, Lumla, Sela Lake. The facilities developed under Nafra- Seppa- Pappu, Pasa, Pakke Valleys- Sangdupota- New Sagalee- Ziro- Yomcha include helipad, trekking trails, rafting centre, log huts, craft bazaar, eco park, tourist facilitation centres, parking, festival ground, etc.  

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu recently launched e-Inner Line Permit (eILP) to make the entry to the state paperless and hassle-free for domestic visitors. Inner Line Permit is an official travel document issued by the central government to allow inward travel of an Indian citizen into a protected/restricted area for a limited period. Khandu optimistically expressed that with this step, there would be a significant increase in the number of visitors to the state as they can now get ILPs from their homes without having to go to the designated offices physically. Visitors can apply and obtain the mandatory inner line permit online at www.arunachalilp.com. Special Secretary Information Technology, Prince Dhawan, explained that after fulfilling all criteria online, visitors will receive the ILP with unique identity number and codes in soft copy in their emails, which can be displayed on their mobile handsets or tabs at the entry gates for verification. However, ILPs can also be obtained at entry gates and other designated places (like Guwahati airport) physically on payment of fees.

The Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu met Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State (I/C) for Culture and Tourism to discuss the issues for promotion of tourism and development of tourist infrastructure in Arunachal Pradesh. Khandu said that there are many important tourist destinations in Arunachal Pradesh including many religious and pilgrimage tourist places which are to be developed and promoted. He emphasised that Arunachal Pradesh has great tourist potential which needs to be harnessed properly. Dr. Sharma assured the visiting Chief Minister that the Ministry of Tourism wants to help Arunachal Pradesh in promoting tourism, especially high-end tourism preserving natural beauty and eco-system of the State. Many tourism schemes in the State can be promoted with the help of North-East circuit and PRASAD scheme. He said that economic air fare packages will also boost the tourism sector in Arunachal Pradesh.