–Tourism in Arunachal has made a strong post-pandemic comeback, as per a state tourism official. From a low of just 1,095 visitors in 2021, the numbers soared to over 976,042 in 2023 (up until November), with 4,207 international travellers.
–Giving further momentum to these numbers, the ATOAI convention will set the stage for responsible adventure tourism while also unveiling a dedicated roadmap & toolkit to position Arunachal as a leader in the sphere. “Arunachal Pradesh is India’s Last Shangri-La and our next big adventure destination,” said ATOAI President, Ajeet Bajaj.
-250-300 delegates expected to attend the convention.
Arunachal Pradesh is poised to take centre stage as the ATOAI’s 16th Annual Convention is set to unfold in Tawang from December 3–8, 2024. The northeastern state is embracing this event as a launchpad for a more aggressive and dynamic approach to tourism marketing development, besides looking at launching a tourism policy soon.
According to the state tourism official, the tourism in Arunachal has made a strong comeback post-pandemic. From a low of just 1,095 visitors in 2021, the numbers soared to over 976,042 in 2023 (up until November), with 4,207 international travelers. This represents a robust recovery and underscores the state’s growing appeal, Ranphoa Ngowa, Secretary of Tourism, Government of Arunachal Pradesh shared with T3.
In 2022, the total number of visitors was 213,340, with 1,059 foreign tourists. Pre-pandemic figures show a much stronger performance. In 2019, there were 555,639 visitors, including 7,825 foreign tourists, pushing the total to over 6 lakhs, with an average of around 5 lakh annual visitors for several years prior.
For decades, Arunachal Pradesh was largely unexplored, known only to a few intrepid travellers. Today, its picturesque locations like Tawang, Ziro, Anini have become synonymous with adventure and cultural tourism. “Arunachal Pradesh, often described as a hidden gem, is now opening its doors to the world. Once hindered by connectivity challenges, our state has made significant strides in infrastructure development. Today, Arunachal boasts excellent roads and improved access, making even its remotest corners accessible. Every journey here is a revelation, like peeling the layers of an onion—unveiling surprises at every turn,” said the Tourism Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pasang Dorjee Sona, during a curtain raiser event by ATOAI in Delhi.
The destination’s visibility in the market has been a challenge. However, going forward, the tourism department is further amplifying its efforts with an aggressive digital, print, and media campaign to enhance visibility. “With a consulting agency soon onboard, results are expected within six months, ensuring Arunachal becomes a prominent name in both domestic and global travel itineraries,” the minister added, also hinting towards a tourism policy to be rolled out soon.
The minister added that state’s infrastructure has seen major improvements. Connectivity, especially from road, is no longer a barrier, with Tawang’s operational airport and ongoing development of advanced landing grounds under the RCS program ensuring accessibility to even the most remote areas. Two-lane highways now link most districts, boosting intrastate travel. On the hospitality front, Tawang has welcomed its first five-star hotel, and Itanagar is seeing similar developments. Boutique hotels and homestays across Arunachal offer tourists comfortable stays paired with immersive cultural experiences.
The minister also shared the government’s vision in positioning Arunachal as a global leader in adventure and responsible tourism. He highlighted the region’s unparalleled opportunities for activities such as river rafting, paragliding, and trekking, while also showcasing the significant strides made in infrastructure and connectivity. “Arunachal Pradesh has consciously chosen a path of responsible and sustainable tourism. Our government is committed to ensuring that tourism development does not compromise the natural and cultural integrity of our state. Instead, we aim to create meaningful experiences for visitors while safeguarding our heritage for future generations.”
This convention, he said, is not just about showcasing our breathtaking landscapes, “It’s about our commitment to responsible tourism. We aim to ignite global interest in Arunachal as a premier destination for adventure, where culture and nature coexist harmoniously.”
The convention will unveil a dedicated roadmap & toolkit to position Arunachal as a leader in responsible adventure tourism, shared Ajeet Bajaj, President, ATOAI. “Arunachal Pradesh is India’s Last Shangri-La and our next big adventure destination. This convention will set the stage for responsible adventure tourism and showcase how sustainability is the future of our industry. This convention promises to be a milestone event, further positioning Arunachal Pradesh and North-East India at the forefront of adventure tourism in India and the world.”
“The Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh envisions the state as India’s premier destination for adventure tourism. He strongly believes that this convention will unveil Arunachal’s vast potential, driving both economic growth and global recognition for the region,” he added.
Another initiative that ATOAI is thrilled about is making this a net-zero event. “We’ll calculate and offset our carbon footprint while actively working to reduce it. This reflects our commitment to championing responsible tourism and setting an example for the industry, showing that sustainability is the way forward—not just for tourism but also for hosting events.”
Furthermore, the emphasis will also be on the importance of promoting border tourism while opening new opportunities to showcase and develop tourism in our stunning border regions, said Bajaj.
When asked about the expected delegation at the Convention, Bajaj added, “We are expecting 250–300 delegates, including adventure tour operators and representatives from various tourism associations. We aim to promote Arunachal responsibly, keeping in mind the carrying capacity. Tawang, for instance, is a delicate ecosystem.”
On this note, he asserted that ATOAI remains steadfast in its mission to position India as a global leader in responsible adventure tourism. “This convention represents a milestone in that journey, cementing Arunachal Pradesh and the Northeast as frontrunners in the adventure tourism landscape—not just in India, but on the world stage,” Bajaj asserted.
Echoing his thoughts, Oken Tayeng, MLA and Convention Chairperson, called Arunachal “a playground of possibilities” and underlined the need for a sustainable roadmap to unlock its adventure tourism potential.
Adding to the evening’s momentum, Arun Srivastava, Joint Director General, Ministry of Tourism, highlighted the importance of collaboration in developing adventure tourism in India. He noted, “India’s natural assets make it a top contender for global adventure tourism and Arunachal is a shining gem of the country. This aligns with the ATOAI and Ministry of Tourism’s vision to position the country among the top 10 adventure tourism destinations by 2047. The ambitious goal is to achieve $800 billion in tourism revenues by then, with 25% driven by adventure tourism.”
The sector, he mentioned, is on a growth trajectory, with an expected CAGR of 18% from 2024 to 2030, aiming for $47 billion in revenue by 2030. Post-COVID, the demand for experiential travel has surged, making adventure tourism a mainstream choice for diverse traveller segments. “Collaborations between ATOAI and state governments are driving progress, unlocking the untapped potential of this sector. I am confident that the outcomes of this convention will strengthen our collective efforts to advance India as a premier adventure tourism destination,” said Srivastava.
