ITANAGAR, Oct 23: A two-day homestay training programme organized by the tourism department for entrepreneurs and unemployed youths of Papum Pare, East Kameng, West Siang, and Anjaw districts concluded at the State Food Craft Institute (SFCI) here on Tuesday.
Around 36 homestay owners attended the programme, during which hospitality, cleanliness, food-making, and other subjects were taught by resource persons and trainers from the SFCI.
Attending the valedictory function, Arunachal Pradesh Paragliding Association president Vijay Sonam exhorted the trainees to start their own homestay businesses after the training programme, “even if it is in a small way.”
He spoke about the central and state governments’ flagship programmes to provide financial assistance for entrepreneurship development.
Sonam also advised the participants to “maintain unity and brotherhood among all tribes through tourism” and make good use of the state’s culture, tradition, and natural resources in a sustainable manner.
Tourism Secretary Sadhana Deori asked the participants to maintain standard and quality services while running homestay facilities.
“Tourism is a hospitality industry where standard and quality services should not be compromised. You have to treat any guest as your family member while hosting them,” she said.
Stressing on the importance of ecotourism for self-sustainability, the tourism secretary advised them to practice value-addition activities, such as floriculture, agriculture, horticulture, and livestock farming, along with homestay.
Tourism Assistant Director Bengia Manna Sonam urged the trainees to make good use of the training programme and become role models for others in their respective places.
“Homestay is a good avenue, especially for women, to earn a livelihood. It is a part of the tourism industry which is going well across the globe,” she said.
Arunachal Pradesh Tour Operators’ Association president John Panye said the department is providing various forms of training to unemployed youths at their doorsteps nowadays, and urged them to avail the opportunities.
Panye said the tourism industry could provide sustainable income to the locals, and, if sincerely implemented, “there is no need to depend upon government job and contract works always.”
Siliguri-based Help Tourism head Raj Basu, Hotel Donyi Polo Food & Beverage in-charge S Kar, and Anal Jyoti Basu of the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurs were the resource persons of the training programme.
Later, certificates were given away to the trainees for homestay and Hunar se Rajgar Tak.
