ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim has inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for undertaking joint programmes on tourism sector. Arunachal tourism minister Pema Khandu signed the memorandum with his Sikkim counterpart Bhim Dhungel in Gangtok on Thursday, officials said. Khandu, leading a high-level delegation including parliamentary secretary for tourism P D Sona, had a meeting with Dhungel and called for mutual cooperation in the tourism sector.
During the hour-long meeting, Khandu, underlining the priority accorded to the tourism sector by the Nabam Tuki government, pitched for holistic development of the tourism sector in all northeastern states to facilitate seamless flow of tourists. He also said that rationalizing the permit system would enable tourists to geta wholesome experience of the region. Highlighting the ancient pilgrimage sites of Arunachal such as Tzari and Pema-kho, he also advocated for a Buddhist circuit comprising of Sikkim, Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh.
Bhim Dhungel, praising Team Arunachal for its enthusiasm to promote tourism and highlighting the potential Arunachal in the sector, endorsed the issues raised by Khandu and agreed that both Sikkim and Arunachal can work together for mutual benefit. The Sikkim minister also offered to help Arunachal Tourism in capacity building of the stakeholders.
Tourism managers of both states agreed that the Protected Area Permit (PAP) was a major bottleneck for foreign tourists and resolved to address the problem by placing it before the home ministry. They also decided to ask the Northeast MPs' Forum to take up the matter at their level, the sources said.
During the hour-long meeting, Khandu, underlining the priority accorded to the tourism sector by the Nabam Tuki government, pitched for holistic development of the tourism sector in all northeastern states to facilitate seamless flow of tourists. He also said that rationalizing the permit system would enable tourists to geta wholesome experience of the region. Highlighting the ancient pilgrimage sites of Arunachal such as Tzari and Pema-kho, he also advocated for a Buddhist circuit comprising of Sikkim, Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh.
Bhim Dhungel, praising Team Arunachal for its enthusiasm to promote tourism and highlighting the potential Arunachal in the sector, endorsed the issues raised by Khandu and agreed that both Sikkim and Arunachal can work together for mutual benefit. The Sikkim minister also offered to help Arunachal Tourism in capacity building of the stakeholders.
Tourism managers of both states agreed that the Protected Area Permit (PAP) was a major bottleneck for foreign tourists and resolved to address the problem by placing it before the home ministry. They also decided to ask the Northeast MPs' Forum to take up the matter at their level, the sources said.
Source: TOI
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