Itanagar/IBNS: The Ziro Valley in Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh prepares for the 10th edition of the Ziro Festival of Music (ZFM) in late September, a meeting was convened at Biiri that brought together various tourism stakeholders including tour operators, homestay operators, tour guides, hoteliers, cab drivers, and members of the NGO Ngunu Ziro.
Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner Bamin Nime chaired the meeting, advocating for responsible and community-based tourism in the valley.
Nime highlighted that Ziro Valley has garnered global attention for its tourism potential and could flourish as a hub if responsible tourism practices are embraced, reports The Sentinel Assam.
He stressed the importance of community involvement in the tourism sector for the benefit of the local economy, citing success stories from Meghalaya and Tawang.
Nime urged stakeholders to excel in their professions, offer hospitality to visitors, and maintain cleanliness as a reflection of the regions appeal to the outside world.
District Tourism Officer Dikchu Raji provided information about the valleys current tourism landscape, including 14 hotels, 48 registered homestays, and approximately 1.7 lakh domestic and 150 international tourists annually. Identity cards for tour guides and training programs for them are in the pipeline. Non-performing homestay operators will also face scrutiny.
Tsering Wange, CEO of Himalayan Holidays, Bomdila, expressed optimism about Ziro Valleys potential to become a top tourist destination, highlighting favorable factors like the TAH road, the Ziro Festival of Music, natural attractions, and accommodation options.
Around 30 participants, including representatives from various sectors, attended the meeting.
