September 27 is observed as World Tourism Day and this year its observance has a profound significance given the catastrophic impact due to the coronavirus pandemic. As Covid razed the world in early 2020 and is still going strong, the tourism sector has become one of its biggest casualties. Be it the swanky, upscale tourists hotels and resorts to the small roadside eatery, all have felt the devastating impact of the highly infectious virus. As cities went into lockdowns, sought after destinations usually sprawling with tourists wore a deserted look. People directly and indirectly connected to the tourism industry went into shock.
According to the World Tourism Organization, international tourist arrivals declined globally by 73 percent in 2020, with 1 billion fewer travelers compared to 2019, putting in jeopardy between 100 and 120 million direct tourism jobs. This has led to massive losses in international revenues for tourism-dependent economies. The COVID crisis has led to a collapse in international travel.
Staycations became the ‘it’ thing during the pandemic. Catchphrases such as ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ resonated with the masses. The average tourist was now taking interest in their own backyard.  
Arunachal’s tourism potential is clearly going to be its major growth engine. While the progressive world has a myriad of things to lure tourists; Arunachal has its pristine, untouched nature and its incredible indigenous culture and heritage.
Village tourism also called rural tourism has a great potential and needs to be tapped. Once a success story evolves, the state’s rural employment scenario  will surely witness a change . And with a little more intense planning and a slice of professionalism there is no reason why rural tourism will not be a success in this least explored state of the nation, also the most beautiful. 
Every village in Arunachal has something exciting to offer. Identifying their   USP’s/strengths with regards to handicrafts, folk music, dance, etc should be the priority of any planning process given the fact that ours is essentially a tribal state.
One satisfied tourist, out of sheer gratitude, will convey his moments of enchantment in Arunachal via social media and will capture the imagination of several others. People with acute wanderlust in the country are looking at NorthEast much more than ever before Arunachal needs to leverage on this.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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