With a view to explore the tourism potential in the border districts of India and to create awareness about the lesser-known destinations across the country, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) recently launched its Border Tourism webinar series. The first webinar was on Arunachal Pradesh focused on Anjaw district and other destinations like Mechuka, Anini for the promotion of Border Tourism in Arunachal Pradesh. Arunachal is exploring opportunities to develop border tourism in the state.
Speaking about the scope of border tourism during the webinar, Rupinder Brar, Additional Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, said, “Border tourism is of immense interest to the Government of India. The connectivity to these destinations were always not up to the mark which has made it difficult to promote them. The major requirement and the thrust that the government is having is to creating airstrips and also develop road connectivity. Under UDAN 4.0 North East is a major focus for the government.”
She further added, “Capacity building and skill development should be a major focus. The areas we are looking at we should create more homestays and bed & breakfast facilities. Travellers are ready to spend on experiences even in the domestic market. Also, we should not focus on mass tourism as it degrades a destination. Tourism should lead to socio-economic betterment and should not overstep the carbon footprint. In Arunachal the Central ministry has sanctioned a project in Parshuram Kund recently.”
Ayushi Sudan, Deputy Commissioner – Anjaw District, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, said, “Popular destinations in Anjaw district are Walong, Kibithu, Hayuliang, Dong. It shares border with China and Myanmar. Dong is a proper camping site and is a very cruitial for tourism. Anjaw has a history in terms of 1962 war and there are beautiful elements which tells the story. There is also a possibility of Bunker tourism if infrastructure is developed.
“A light and sound show in Walong has been sanctioned in the war memorial. Kaho will be projected as the first village of the country. There is a lot of scope for eco-tourism especially for bird watching. In terms of future development bird watching festival and trails need to be developed as a part of our eco-tourism. There are a few trekking circuits on the Myanmar border as well which needs to be promoted. We also have a great potential for adventure tourism which yet needs to be explored. We have potential for ziplining, river rafting, Paragliding, etc.”
PHDCCI will be organizing a series of 18 webinars to promote Border Tourism across the Nation. India shares borders with seven countries and at present border tourism has been one of the most neglected segments.
Anil Parashar, Chairman – Tourism Committee, PHDCCI, said, “India is the largest country in South Asia with a varied topography and we share borders with seven countries. Despite having such tourism potential, the border areas haven’t seen major development in terms of tourism. There is also a lack of knowledge how border areas can become a tourist destination. PHDCCI will be organizing a series of 18 webinars along with Ministry of Tourism to promote 18 border districts which needs to be developed. Aspirational India has deep desire to travel and due to pandemic, there is a strong domestic market. This is a perfect time to introduce Border tourism.”
Another major destination to be developed in Arunachal Pradesh is Dibang Valley. The destination is looking to create Adventure offerings to woo travellers.
Minga Sherpa, Deputy Commissioner – Dibang Valley District, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, said, “In Dibang valley, we have extreme scope for ethno-tourism village with all modern amenities. We have one of the best and difficult treks in our district. Adventure activities like River rafting, river crossing, zip-lining, Bungee and Para-motoring has a huge scope. We are trying to promote caravan tourism and camping sites. We will look at hosting bloggers, trek meet, etc. to promote the destination. We want to organize bird-watching and butterfly watching event which can be a great success. We are also trying to create minimal tourist infrastructure. We are looking to create a mini adventure park with ATVs ziplining, river-crossing, rock climbing, Burma bridge. We also are looking to create small scale eco-friendly assets like camp, tented, mud, bamboo hut accommodations,” he added.
