Bomdila, Apr 7: The Tourism department organized the responsible tourism meet at Shergaon in West Kameng district, from April 6 to 7.
The two-day event brought together key stakeholders from across the state and other Northeastern states to engage in meaningful dialogue on sustainable and responsible tourism practices, with a focus on preserving local culture, protecting the environment, and empowering communities.
The meet was attended by several prominent dignitaries, including state tourism director Manjunath R, deputy director Bengia Manna Sonam, waste management expert Ranju G Barman, Coordinator of Indo-Bhutan Friendship Association Soham Chakraborty, among others.
District tourism officers from multiple regions participated in the meet, fostering cross-regional exchange and collaboration.
Communities that have pioneered responsible tourism practices such as Gobuk and Simong (Upper Subansiri), Labokore (Shi-Yomi), Chullyu (Keyi Panyor), and several villages from Tirap, Changlang, and Longding, actively participated, sharing success stories and local innovations that are shaping grassroots tourism.
The program featured visits to important local sites, including the Garung Thuk community library, state horticulture farm, trout hatchery, Kamcho Yami (Thungi Gonpa) Rhododendron Garden, Zengbu Gonpa, sacred groves, Yokmuzor Buddha Park, and Chillipam Gonpa, providing participants with insights into Shergaon’s integrated model of tourism and cultural preservation.
Interactive sessions were held with homestay and farm stay owners, village councils, and NGOs.
The meet also acknowledged the dedicated support of Garung Thuk, whose contributions in mobilising community participation and demonstrating Shergaon’s evolving tourism model were widely appreciated.
The meet emerged as a vibrant platform for sharing knowledge, building partnerships, and reaffirming the shared commitment to a tourism model that is ethical, inclusive, and environmentally responsible.
