Guwahati: Indiatourism Guwahati, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, the Department of Tourism, Government of Assam, and the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Guwahati, launched a training program under the Paryatan Mitra initiative. The program aims to enhance tourism services and empower local communities across Northeast India.
The Ministry of Tourism launched the Paryatan Mitra initiative on World Tourism Day this year. The program seeks to promote responsible tourism and train stakeholders in 50 key tourism destinations across India. Among these, eight locations in the Northeast have been selected to kick off the initiative, including Guwahati (Assam), Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh), Imphal (Manipur), Aizawl (Mizoram), Shillong (Meghalaya), Dimapur (Nagaland), and Gangtok (Sikkim).
V. Senthur Kumaran, Assistant Director of Indiatourism Guwahati, explained that the primary goal of the program is to ensure that the benefits of tourism reach local communities. By training various tourism stakeholders—such as hoteliers, taxi drivers, tour guides, and others—the program will help local businesses and residents tap into the growing tourism industry. "This initiative is a joint effort by the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Tourism, and state tourism ministers to promote tourism across the country and ensure it benefits the local communities,” Kumaran said.
The training will be conducted in partnership with IHM Guwahati and other agencies to improve the skills of people working in the tourism sector. The program will also focus on sustainable and responsible tourism practices to ensure long-term benefits for the region. "The government, through its skill and capacity division, will provide training and capacity-building support to local stakeholders," Kumaran added.
Shri Hridoy Ranjan Das, Joint Director of Tourism, Assam, highlighted that the program in Guwahati will serve as a model for other regions. "We have a wealth of resources in Assam—rich culture, biodiversity, handlooms, and historical sites. This program will help local people turn these resources into economic opportunities. As tourism grows, local communities will benefit through improved livelihoods," Das said.
Assam, known for its seven national parks, World Heritage sites, and rich cultural heritage, has immense potential as a tourism hub. The Paryatan Mitra initiative will train local people to become professionals in the tourism sector, ensuring they can effectively share the region’s beauty and history with visitors.
By fostering sustainable tourism and building local capacity, the program aims to transform Northeast India into a leading destination for responsible travel, benefiting both residents and tourists alike.
FIRST Business Portal addressing the potential of business capability of North East Region.
