ITANAGAR, Oct 5: Arunachal Pradesh Tourism Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona on Monday said the state will make every effort to ensure that the 14th International Tourism Mart (ITM), scheduled to be held in Tawang in the last week of October, provides an opportunity to showcase the state's natural beauty, culture and hospitality to the world.
Sona said this while reviewing preparations for the event with representatives of the Ministry of Tourism, State Tourism Department and officials from Tawang and West Kameng districts.
"We have to be fully prepared to welcome our guests and present the best of the state to the world," Sona said, stressing the need for close coordination among all departments and stakeholders involved in organising the event.
The minister said preparations should not be limited to the main venue but cover every aspect of the visitor experience, including accommodation, transportation, logistics, protocol and hospitality.
"Close coordination among all departments concerned and stakeholders is essential to ensure that our guests have a memorable experience," he said.
The 14th ITM is scheduled to be held in Tawang from October 27 to November 1 and is being jointly organised by the Union Ministry of Tourism and the Arunachal Pradesh government.
Delegates from around 20 countries are expected to attend the event.
"We want our guests to experience not only the event but also the warmth, culture and beauty of Arunachal Pradesh," Sona said, underlining the importance of hospitality and proper arrangements during the visit of delegates.
The mart is an annual platform of the ministry of tourism aimed at showcasing the tourism potential of the Northeast to domestic and international audiences.
It brings together tourism businesses, tour operators, buyers, sellers, media, government agencies and other stakeholders from the region and abroad.
For Tawang, hosting the event is also an opportunity to take its mountain landscapes, Buddhist heritage and local culture to a wider audience.
The district is home to the historic Tawang Monastery, while Sela Pass, Nuranang Falls, high-altitude lakes and the region's traditional Monpa culture form part of its tourism appeal.
The event is returning to Tawang after more than a decade, with the district having hosted the tourism mart earlier in 2013.
Sona said the event should be seen as an opportunity for the state and its tourism stakeholders to build stronger connections with visitors, tour operators and the international travel industry.
"We must work together as one team so that the event is conducted smoothly and our guests carry back a positive and lasting impression of Arunachal Pradesh,” he added. (PTI)