Chief Minister Pema Khandu during a review meeting with officials of the tourism department called for focusing on promotion of tourism and not on construction of assets. He has raised a valid point as several tourism infrastructures have been created in the state without ensuring their feasibility. This has caused massive losses to the state exchequer. Some of these projects were sanctioned when Khandu himself was the tourism minister of the state. Though late, it is good to see that finally better sense seems to have prevailed upon the state government. All the infrastructures which are lying useless should be used for other purposes by the government.
They can be used as schools and hospitals, with some additional modifications. The CM has emphasized on promotion of tourism, and focus should be on it. However, first of all, proper awareness should be created among the people of the state. Barring tourist destinations like Ziro, Bomdila and Tawang, in most other parts of the state the people are still hostile towards visiting tourists. For Arunachal Pradesh to truly emerge as a major tourist destination, first of all the locals will have to change their attitude. This can be achieved by conducting regular awareness campaigns at village and town levels. Another area on which the government really needs to focus is road infrastructure. The road infrastructure is in a terrible condition. The Ziro Festival of Music, which started on Thursday in Ziro in Lower Subansiri district, attracts tourists from across the world. But the condition of the road from Doimukh to Ziro is pathetic and tourists struggle a lot.