Itanagar, May 7 (IANS) Arunachal Pradesh Cultural Affairs Minister Dasanglu Pul on Thursday said that women-led rural tourism has the potential to emerge as a powerful instrument for promoting cultural exchange, sustainable development, and regional cooperation across the Himalayan Buddhist belt.

Addressing a regional workshop on “Development of the Buddhist Circuit in Northeast India” in Tawang, the Minister lauded the initiative aimed at connecting Buddhist centres in Northeast India with neighbouring countries such as Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka through a women-led rural tourism model.

The workshop brought together delegates from Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Assam, and Sikkim, with discussions focusing on strengthening regional cooperation and promoting sustainable tourism rooted in a shared Buddhist heritage.

Highlighting Arunachal Pradesh’s immense tourism potential, Pul, who also holds the Women and Child Development portfolio, said the state, often referred to as the “Land of the Rising Sun”, is home to several important spiritual and cultural destinations, including Tawang, Mechukha, and the Golden Pagoda in Namsai.

She emphasised that women in rural and tribal communities have traditionally played a vital role in preserving oral traditions, handicrafts, indigenous cuisines, festivals, and rituals.

Involving them more actively in tourism initiatives, she said, would not only help preserve cultural heritage but also generate livelihood opportunities and strengthen local economies.

The Minister further said that the state government remains committed to supporting working women through initiatives such as skill development programmes, micro-financing support, infrastructure development, and digital promotion of local tourism experiences.

Pul also stressed the importance of strengthening tourism and cultural linkages with neighbouring Buddhist nations to boost international tourism and deepen people-to-people ties across the region.

The workshop featured speeches by representatives from participating countries, along with technical sessions on regional cooperation, connectivity, branding, and the role of women-led rural tourism in fostering inclusive development.

Detailed deliberations were also held on identifying and promoting key Buddhist heritage sites across the Northeast region as part of a broader tourism circuit.

Officials described the workshop as a significant step towards enhancing regional collaboration and unlocking the vast tourism potential of Northeast India through inclusive, community-driven, and sustainable development models.

–IANS

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