KIBITHU, Dec 21: Under the initiative of Community Based Tourism (CBT) by the Department of Tourism, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, a CBT initiation programme was held at Kaho Village, about 30 km from Walong, in Kibithu Circle of Anjaw District.
Kaho is a remote and isolated village with 12 households belonging to the Buddhism following Meyor community dependent on agriculture only, with hardly any exposure to the outside world. They still engage to a large extend in hunting of Musk Deer.
Considering the social structure of Arunachal Pradesh and the rich heritage linked to the rich biodiversity, Community Based Tourism is a tool for sustainable growth in villages, involving the local communities wherein the villagers host the visiting guests involving them in activities of rural and agro-tourism.
Homestay hospitality is one of the core aspects on community based tourism.  The village community had the opportunity to understand the concept of tourism and its importance on economic benefits, as well as an opportunity to highlight their heritage. They have enthusiastically participated during the meeting and have expressed their willingness to start the tourism activities. A team of resource persons from Department of Tourism, HRD wing headed by Bengia Manna Sonam, Assistant Director along with Raj Basu (Adviser on Rural Tourism), Soumyadeep Datta (Director, Natures Beacon of Assam) and Ensang Manthaw (Tour Operator actively working in this circuit) have made an assessment of the potential of the circuit. 
In the programme, the locals were addressed about community pride for participation in Tourism unitedly and bring recognition to their village and community traditions. The need for Homestay development, training, ownership and empowerment of women through homestays were explained and discussed in detail at the meeting.  
In this regard, Kaho Community based Tourism Committee was formed to realize the initiative started by the Tourism Department.

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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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