Itanagar: The picturesque village of Shergaon in Arunachal Pradesh’s West Kameng district came alive with dialogue, culture, and collaboration as it hosted the two-day ‘Responsible Tourism Meet–2025’.
Organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, the event concluded on Monday with a resounding call for tourism practices rooted in ecological sustainability, cultural preservation, and community empowerment.
The meet drew participation from across Arunachal Pradesh and the Northeast, bringing together tourism stakeholders, government officials, community leaders, NGOs, and grassroots entrepreneurs. Discussions focused on developing tourism that not only boosts local economies but also honours traditional knowledge and safeguards fragile ecosystems.
Interactive sessions gave voice to homestay and farm stay owners, village council members, and rural NGOs, offering a platform for knowledge exchange. One of the highlights was a presentation by NGO Zgang Depga from Jigaon, who showcased their ‘Project Granjo – Cherry Blossom Tree Sponsorship Programme’—a unique initiative blending ecological restoration with tourism-based livelihoods.
Shergaon’s Self-Help Groups showcased traditional weaving techniques and displayed community-led achievements in sustainable tourism. Representations from villages such as Gobuk and Simong in Upper Subansiri, Labokore in Shi-Yomi, and Chullyu in Keyi Panyor, along with communities from Tirap, Changlang, and Longding, highlighted their efforts in preserving heritage, practising inclusivity, and embracing green tourism.
Attendees also explored Shergaon’s iconic sites including the Garung Thuk Community Library, the state horticulture farm, trout hatchery, rhododendron gardens at Kamcho Yami, and spiritual landmarks like Zengbu Gonpa, Yokmuzor Buddha Park, and Chillipam Gonpa. These visits provided insights into how local cultural identity and ecological richness are central to tourism in the region.
Among the dignitaries present were Tourism Director Manjunath R, Deputy Director Bengia Manna Sonam, rural tourism advisor Raj Basu, development expert Madhura Dutta, Indo-Bhutan Friendship Association coordinator Soham Chakraborty, and Hindustan Times CX Head Saurav Shukla. Their presence reinforced institutional support for grassroots tourism.
Local NGO Garung Thuk played a key role in anchoring the meet, with chairman Ledo Thungun, vice chairman DK Thungon, and member Lobsang Tashi Thungon contributing valuable insights and leadership throughout the event.
The Shergaon Responsible Tourism Meet 2025 concluded with a shared commitment to building a model of tourism that empowers indigenous communities, respects nature, and preserves the unique cultural identity of Arunachal Pradesh.
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