Destination Management, Tawang 2023

On July 25th and 26th, 2023, a two-day training program on Destination Management through Upskilling and Responsible Practices was held in Tawang, themed “Revisiting and Upskilling Homestay Operators.” The inaugural session was graced by the presence of Sh. Kanki Darang, Deputy Commissioner of Tawang, Sh. K.N. Damo, Director of Tourism, Smt. Bengia Manna Sonam, Deputy Director of Tourism, and several notable resource persons including Sh. Raj Basu (Rural Tourism Advisor), Sh. Soumyadeep Datta (Founder of Natures’ Beacon), Sh. Kumar Anubhav (Founder of Notonmap.com), Smt. Nilima Tamang and Sh. Vishal Gurung (Waste Management Experts), and Sh. S. S. Kar (Master Trainer, SFCI, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh).

Homestay operators from Taksing (part of the Vibrant Village Programme), as well as hoteliers and tour operators from Tawang, Zemithang, and other nearby areas, participated in the event. In his inaugural address, Sh. Kanki Darang emphasized the importance of homestays in the development of tourist destinations and highlighted Tawang’s emergence as a premier tourist spot in India. He also discussed the promotion of Zemithang, Lumla, and Kinzemani as key cultural and religious tourism circuits in the state.

Sh. K.N. Damo, Director of Tourism, spoke about the recent inauguration of the YUVA Tourism Club in the state capital on July 18, 2023, and the role of club members as responsible citizens. He stressed the necessity for continuous upgradation of skills and services among tourism stakeholders to adapt to the evolving industry. Furthermore, he called for a campaign to keep the mountains and tourist destinations clean and green.

Smt. Bengia Manna Sonam, Deputy Director of Tourism, highlighted the role of homestays in showcasing Tawang’s rich culture and heritage. She also mentioned government-funded schemes aimed at encouraging students to pursue careers in the tourism industry.

During the technical session, resource persons provided valuable insights on developing the hospitality industry in the state. A refresher training session on hotel and restaurant management, as well as advanced bakery techniques, was also conducted. The event saw the participation of around 200 attendees.

Additionally, a sensitization program for YUVA Tourism Club members in Tawang was held at the Government Town Secondary School. Club members from various schools were briefed on their responsibilities and encouraged to engage actively in club activities. A quiz competition was organized for the students, who also took the Travel for LiFE pledge at the end of the program. Around 80 students participated in this event, furthering their commitment to promoting sustainable tourism in the region.