The 16th Annual Adventure Convention, organized by the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI), has put Arunachal Pradesh in the limelight as India's emerging adventure tourism destination. The six-day event, held in Tawang from December 3 to 8, brought together industry experts from across the country to explore and discuss the state's untapped tourism potential.
Highlighting the great promise of Arunachal as a leading adventure tourism hub, Prime Minister Pema Khandu said the convention was a step towards promoting economic growth and achieving global recognition. “Arunachal Pradesh offers unparalleled natural beauty and adventure tourism opportunities. With proper planning and sustainable measures, we can develop into a world-class destination,” he said.
Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Oken Tayeng, who is also a member of the National Tourism Advisory Council (NTAC), highlighted the importance of sustainable tourism. He warned against over-tourism that has harmed many Himalayan destinations, stressing that the state's tourism efforts should focus on helping local communities while preserving its pristine environment.
“Locals, as custodians of these landscapes, should have the opportunity to earn a living through sustainable tourism on their doorstep,” Tayeng stressed, calling for carefully managed growth in the sector.
The convention also served as a platform to showcase the rich cultural heritage and adventurous terrain of Arunachal, with tourism experts highlighting the state's potential to become a global hotspot for adventure activities.
Tayeng's contributions to tourism were also recognized at the event. His efforts include establishing the Hump WW-II Museum in Pasighat, which commemorates American pilots who flew treacherous routes during World War II. The museum and other Tayeng initiatives aim to combine Arunachal's historical significance with its tourism prospects.
As the session concluded, the focus shifted to long-term strategies to develop the state as a sustainable, experiential tourism hub, ensuring its preservation for future generations while unlocking its economic potential.