The tourist department of Changlang District in Arunachal Pradesh is planning to transform the picturesque Vijaynagar valley in the district into a tourist hotspot. It organised a tourism awareness programme in Hazolo village in Vijaynagar circle recently with the theme ‘'Rethinking Tourism”,.
But for tourists from Guwahati who want to go to Vijaynagar, it takes three days if not more. One has to take a train from Guwahati to Tinsukia and then a vehicle onwards to Miao. From Miao there is army helicopter to Vijaynagar only two days a week. Or one has to take a vehicle to reach Vijaynagar.
The programme was supported by Mugaphi Tours & Trek, SHG Hazolo, and other stakeholders.
Hazolo, being clean, beautiful and well-organised village and inhabited by the war, and hospitable Yobin/ Lisu tribe has tremendous potential to become a popular destination for rural tourism.
The village, consisting of 40 households with a population of about 250 people is situated on a hilltop. It overlooks a Nepali village nearby and a river downhill.
The people of Hazolo village are extremely skilled artisans and craftsmen with villagers producing high quality handmade products.
During the programme, the villagers displayed various handcraft items, handlooms, traditional handmade items, agro-based products, local cuisine, etc. They also demonstrated the techniques of making dry grass mats, bows and arrows, as well as baskets.
Members of SHGs also presented their skills of making traditional rice cakes and unique hemp-woven textiles. Dances as well as traditional games and sports, among other activities, were also presented by the villagers.
Tourist Information Officer Khoda Yakang sensitised the villagers to tourism, homestay, hospitality, and cleanliness. He also educated the villagers on the need to conserve the rich flora and fauna, and to preserve their age-old culture and traditions.
Tour operators Yolisa Yobin and Yofuna Yobin shared their experience of handling clients and tourists, and urged their people to be tourist-friendly and hospitable.
Public leader Liakhu Yobin and Milina Yobin, speaking on behalf of Hazolo SHG, expressed gratitude to the department for organising the programme and imparting knowledge on the significance of tourism for economic and socio-cultural sustainability.
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