ITANAGAR, 22nd July – The Department of Tourism conducted a one-day orientation programme on homestay and hospitality for unemployed youths from Kradadi and Taksing in the Upper Subansiri district. The programme took place at the State Food Craft Institute near IG Park, aiming to equip the participants with valuable skills and knowledge in the tourism sector.
A total of 26 enthusiastic youths actively engaged in the day-long program, eager to explore opportunities in the tourism industry and contribute to the growth of their region’s economy.
During her key note address, the Deputy Director of the State Tourism Department, Bengia Manna Sonam, encouraged the participants to make the most of the workshop and turn their aspirations into reality. She also shed light on the government’s schemes available to support existing and operational homestays and tour agencies in the state, providing them with additional insights into the various opportunities available in the tourism sector.
Raj Basu, representing Siliguri-based Help Tourism, emphasized the significance of rural and community-based tourism, highlighting the potential it holds for inclusive growth and sustainable development.
S Kar, the head of the State Food Craft Institute, took the opportunity to focus on essential aspects of homestay operation, hospitality, and the importance of maintaining cleanliness to offer tourists a memorable experience.
Yomjum Yonggam, the Managing Director of Yonggam Tours & Travel, presented an overview of the vital role rural tourism plays in the state and the wide scope of possibilities it offers for aspiring entrepreneurs in the tourism sector.
In an effort to provide practical exposure to the participants, the Department of Tourism announced that it will organize a familiarization tour to Tawang for five homestay operators from Taksing. This tour is scheduled to take place next week, aiming to give these operators a first-hand experience of successful homestays and tourism practices in the region.
The orientation programme has garnered significant interest and appreciation from the participating youths and is expected to contribute to the development of the tourism sector in the state. With the newfound knowledge and insights gained from the workshop, the unemployed youths are now better equipped to pursue opportunities in homestay management and hospitality, thus potentially opening new avenues for employment and economic growth in their respective regions.
