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To the hills we say!

Nestled between the hills, Arunachal Pradesh is a traveller's paradise. Long trails, waterfalls, fantastic architecture, the state is something to behold. Arunachal Pradesh Tourism Minister Sonam Chambey was in Delhi recently and we caught up with him for a candid conversation and he explained why Arunachal must top our list of next holiday destinations and also what lies next on the to-do list. Here are excerpts of the interview.

What steps have you taken to increase tourism footfall in Arunachal Pradesh?


The only way to improve tourist footfall is to increase awareness of the destination among the potential tourists. Arunachal Tourism has been making consistent efforts in marketing and promotion by way of participation in major travel fairs, ads in popular magazines etc.
Furthermore, to make the stay of the tourists in the state more enjoyable and memorable one, efforts are being made to popularize unique tourism products such as rural/tribal way of life, kiwi farm and apple/orange orchard tours etc.

Which places/activities are you promoting within the state?


Arunachal Pradesh is a destination, which has something to offer for everyone!  Adventure seekers- white water rafting, mountaineering, trekking, river crossing, mountain biking etc.
A treasure trove of culture and heritage- distinct culture and traditions of more than 26 major tribes and over 100 sub- tribes.
 Spiritual destination with 400-year-old second largest Buddhist monastery in the world, Hindu pilgrimage such as Parasharam kund, Bhismaknagar and Malinithan
With 82% forest cover teeming with life, a bio-diversity hotspot with unique flora and fauna is an ideal destination for nature lovers.
Niche products such as angling, bird watching, and wellness are also being promoted. We are also planning to sell the state as a destination for creative people- writers, painters, lyricist etc

What is the kind of tourist footfall seen over the years? Does AP see many foreign tourists as compared to Indians?


Arunachal Pradesh is emerging as a favoured destination for tourists. We are witnessing steady flow of both foreign and domestic tourists and the footfall has been increasing over the years. The percentage increase is very encouraging.

What kind of development are you looking in for in the state to make travel easier for the tourists?

Massive infrastructural development projects such as the Trans-Arunachal Highway, Railways, Airports etc are making rapid progress and will be commissioned shortly. With completion of these projects, travel for tourists will ease to a great extent.
Large number of hotels, home stays have come up and many more are coming up to address the accommodation demands of the tourists.

You conducted the International Tourism Mart, in January this year; can you tell us the purpose behind it and the response you got from the mart?

The ITM in January was held in Guwahati in which Arunachal tourism also participated. It has been a revolutionary initiative of the ministry of tourism. This has put the entire region on global focus as a tourist destination. Arunachal Tourism in particular has reaped a lot of benefits from ITM.
The state tour operators have had excellent networking sessions with both domestic as well international buyers and I am certain that this season will see them getting increased business.

Arunachal Pradesh was awarded the most favourite upcoming tourist destination by a popular magazine recently; can you tell us what makes AP a unique tourist destination?

Arunachal is the largest state in North East India. The geographical diversity of the state with the foothills, hills and the mountains and its distinct flora and fauna, coupled with as many as 26 different tribes, each with separate culture and history makes it a unique destination.
With options from adrenaline rushed adventure to relaxed holidaying in the lap of pristine nature, tourists coming to Arunachal are guaranteed a wholesome and a unique experience.

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