-“High-value, low-volume tourism is a model that benefits local economies significantly while preserving the environment. This approach will be our guiding principle,” said Arunachal CM, Pema Khandu.
-ATOAI President stressed the need to define carrying capacities to avoid overcrowding and to improve accessibility with a hub-and-spoke model connecting Guwahati, Itanagar, and other locations using advanced landing grounds.
– “Governments can’t do all the work alone. If the adventure tourism is poised to get 65% revenue back into the region, this is where public private partnerships play a key role,” Lt Gen Rakesh Kapoor, Deputy Chief of the Army Staff said.
– Taking the first step toward creating Brand Arunachal and to position the state as a premier global destination for adventure tourism, ATOAI, along with the state government launched a comprehensive roadmap & toolkit.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu emphasised Arunachal Pradesh’s ambitious plans to develop its adventure tourism infrastructure during his address at the 16th Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) Convention being held in the breathtaking city of Tawang. Highlighting the state’s immense potential for adventure activities, he assured stakeholders of the government’s commitment to creating world-class facilities.
Arunachal Pradesh’s potential as an adventure tourism hotspot was a recurring theme at the convention. Khandu pointed out the region’s appeal for activities such as rafting, kayaking, and trekking, which have already attracted global attention, however, the infrastructure needs a strong holding.
“We have ambitious plans to develop adventure tourism infrastructure in Arunachal Pradesh, including trekking routes from the Bhutan border to Myanmar and state-of-the-art facilities in remote areas,” he said. Khandu also lauded the Indian Army’s contribution to the Vibrant Village Programme for identifying Arunachal Pradesh as a pilot state to promote tourism in remote border areas.
“With Arunachal Pradesh sharing borders with Bhutan, Tibet, and Myanmar, we have incredible potential to offer unique trekking trails. Two major trekking routes are already under planning, and discussions are underway for a trans-Himalayan trail spanning from Bhutan to Myanmar,” he said.
He also announced plans to address the lack of infrastructure holding capacity in the state, which affects tourism growth. “We are working on collaborations with international embassies to bring expertise in creating sustainable and state-of-the-art tourism facilities,” he revealed.
Speaking at the convention, he also highlighted the need to create world-class infrastructure to promote adventure tourism effectively. “While the state government has funds, we need the technical know-how. We are already in touch with international architects, including from Norway to design facilities that meet global standards.”
He also noted the importance of adventure tourism in boosting local economies while maintaining a low environmental footprint. “High-value, low-volume tourism is a model that benefits local economies significantly while preserving the environment. This approach will be our guiding principle,” Khandu remarked.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the diversity of the state’s geography, which ranges from tropical to alpine climates, and its rich cultural heritage, with 26 major tribes and over 100 sub-tribes. “Arunachal Pradesh is the largest state in the Northeast, bigger than Assam, and is home to unparalleled biodiversity and cultural wealth. We want to leverage this uniqueness for sustainable tourism,” he added.
Khandu thanked ATOAI President Ajeet Bajaj and the organizing committee for choosing Arunachal Pradesh as the host for the convention. He also acknowledged the insights shared by the leaders such as Rohit Kapur (MD, Arthur D.Little & Company) and Gustavo Timo (ATTA) during the event who spoke in detail about the segment’s opportunities.
He also stressed the need for private sector involvement alongside government efforts. This, he said, will also help in bringing more tourism to border areas. “We need participation from all sectors—private, government, and experts—to create a thriving adventure tourism ecosystem. I assure ATOAI members that their suggestions will be taken seriously, and I will personally advocate for their implementation at the state and central levels,” he stated.
Need to define carrying capacities, have strict adherence to sustainable tourism practices
ATOAI President, Bajaj, while addressing the audience spoke about Arunachal’s untapped potential and its pivotal role in India’s adventure tourism landscape. Highlighting state’s potential, Bajaj shared tourism statistics: 12.3 lakh domestic tourists and 5,771 foreign tourists visited in 2024. However, he stressed the need to define carrying capacities to avoid overcrowding and to improve accessibility with a hub-and-spoke model connecting Guwahati, Itanagar, and other locations using advanced landing grounds (ALGs).
He also proposed setting up India’s first institute for adventure tourism management in Arunachal, leveraging the state’s existing infrastructure like NIMAS (National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports). “Institutes focused on river rafting, paragliding, and other adventure sports will not only elevate Arunachal’s standing but also benefit the entire country,” he stated.
Bajaj called for strict adherence to sustainable tourism practices. He also urged state governments to adopt policies that promote adventure tourism, such as licensing operators, providing incentives, and integrating skill development programs. “Adventure tourism is the best vehicle for achieving sustainable development goals,” Bajaj asserted.
Besides, Bajaj also outlined ATOAI’s broader goals, including a vision to position India among the top 10 global destinations for adventure tourism within the next decade. He spoke of key initiatives, including safety guidelines for the adventure verticals, skill development for trip leaders, and adopting the “Leave No Trace” principles to minimize environmental impact.
He also spoke of two megatrails under development in the country: The Western Himalayan Megatrail: Spanning Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Garhwal, and Kumaon, ending at the tri-junction area. The other one: The Ganga Nature and Heritage Trail: Covering 2,800 kilometers from Gaumukh to Ganga Sagar. He further proposed a trans-Himalayan trail in collaboration with Nepal and Bhutan.
Connecting the remotest with the help of Indian Army; public-pvt partnerships crucial
Bajaj also emphasised the partnership with the Indian Army in promoting tourism in remote and border areas, adding, “We will continue working with the great Indian Army to fulfill the vision of developing tourism in the remotest corners of India.” “These trails are not just about adventure but also about fostering sustainability and community engagement,” Bajaj said.
Lt Gen Rakesh Kapoor, Deputy Chief of the Army Staff also made some valid points regarding the need for an apt infrastructure and good connectivity, power of public private partnerships to boost the adventure tourism prospects in Arunachal.
“Governments can’t do all the work alone. If the adventure tourism is poised to get 65% revenue back into the region, this is where public private partnerships play a key role,” he said.
Additionally, the Indian Army is committed to capacity building. “We can provide training resources and instructors through institutions like NIMAS and HMI, which are already at the forefront of adventure training.”
He added that the untapped potential of ex-servicemen in border areas is a resource that we as an industry must leverage. “Their specialised skills can significantly contribute to developing adventure and border tourism, fostering economic opportunities in remote regions.”
“The potential of the regions like those in Arunachal is immense. Through collaborative efforts, we can transform them into hubs of adventure tourism, ultimately bringing prosperity to the entire area. On behalf of the Indian Army, I assure you of our unwavering support for these initiatives,” he assured.
Launch of the Arunachal Roadmap
Taking the first step toward creating Brand Arunachal, a vision to position the state as a premier global destination for leisure and adventure tourism, ATOAI, along with the state government launched a comprehensive roadmap & toolkit.
“The roadmap emphasises responsibility, sustainability, capacity building, governance, and preserving the region’s natural and cultural heritage. Development must be carefully balanced to avoid the pitfalls of uncontrolled tourism in such sensitive areas. Together, we aim to transform Destination Arunachal into a global force, supported by a clear roadmap and collective leadership,” shared Vaibhav Kala, Senior VP of ATOAI, while officiating the launch. The draft was launched in the presence of Arunachal CM, state Tourism Minister PD Sona, Secretary Tourism and other senior delegates.
The Arunachal Pradesh Adventure Tourism Roadmap outlines a comprehensive three-stage framework to develop and operationalize adventure tourism in the state which includes Pre-Development and Planning, Implementation involving building core infrastructure, engaging and empowering communities, rolling out skilling programs, setting up monitoring protocols, and promoting cultural preservation and sustainability and finally, operationalisation for launching international marketing campaigns, establishing governance committees, and implementing continuous monitoring mechanisms.
The roadmap includes a specialised toolkit covering regulatory frameworks, monitoring protocols, and sustainability practices.
Moving to day 3
Day 2 of the convention wrapped up on a high note after an eventful day exploring scenic landmarks such as Jaswantgarh Memorial and Sela Tunnel. The inaugural day concluded with the prestigious ATOAI Awards, recognizing individuals and organizations that are setting new benchmarks in the adventure tourism sector across various categories. Special acknowledgment was given to women entrepreneurs for their excellence in adventure tourism and commitment to promoting responsible practices. The awards celebrated visionaries whose innovative approaches and steadfast dedication to sustainability are shaping the future of Indian adventure tourism. The day ended with vibrant cultural performances at the convention venue, Vivanta by Taj Tawang, adding a local charm to the evening’s festivities.
The convention, on its 3rd day today, is set to continue with various deliberations and sessions featuring key figures from the adventure tourism industry. Notably, the Union Minister of Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, will also be here to discuss national perspectives on promoting the sector on December 6.
