# NEWS: Arunachal participates 3rd ITM, Shillong -Nima Khenrab SHILLONG, Oct 14: The 3rd edition of International Tourism Mart, Shillong was today inaugurated by Minister of State for Tourism & Culture (independent) GoI, Shripad Naik in the presence of Chief Minister of Meghalaya Dr Mukul Sangma at the State Convention Centre, here today. Tourism Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries of the North Eastern states were present in the inaugural function, apart from delegates from 22 countries which included tour operators and media persons. Minister of Tourism Pema Khandu, Secretary Tourism Joram Beda, Director Tourism Taru Talo, AD (Tourism) Bengia Manna Sonam, DTO Leena Perme, TIOs and tour operators from the state represented Arunachal Pradesh in the ITM. Shripad Naik in his address to the mentioned that the Govt. of India takes keen interest in development of North East especially in tourism sector which he referred to as “… the true pillar of Indian tourism”. He also informed that Rs. 3000 crores is being invested by the government of India to develop national highways in the region with the primary aim to realize its maximum tourism potential. The Chief Minister of the host state Dr Sangma elucidating the history and culture of Meghalaya said, “Platform like ITM provides opportunity to share and exchange ideas, culture and eliminate misconceptions” and expressed his effort in what he termed as “Mission dream” of green and clean Meghalaya. In a meeting with official from Department of Tourism, GoAP and tour operators, Pema Khandu said that the foreign tourist do not expect great infrastructure and five star facilities, “They love the way we are and our distinct cultural pluralism and lifestyle, and the stunning raw nature, the diverse landscapes; the only areas we should focus is hygiene and cleanliness, environment protection and hospitality to boost tourism in the state.” he further added. The Minister in the mean time personally supervised the Arunachal Pradesh Tourism Stall and inspected the venue where the Department of Tourism, GoAP will host a dinner for the delegates tomorrow. Cultural shows depicting the lifestyles of different tribes of Arunachal will be displayed at the dinner in an effort to promote Arunachal. The International Tourism Mart is being organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India to tap the huge tourism potential of the North East Region and bring it to the forefront of international tourism. The ITM Shillong is third in the series. First was held in Guwahati in 2012 and the Second at Tawang during 2013.
Posted on: Tue, 14 Oct 2014 09:43:33 +0000
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