Arunachal needs good hotels to develop tourism: Soni

Itanagar, Jan 11 (UNI) Union tourism and cultural affairs minister Ambika Soni here today said the Centre has proposed to set up a hotel management institute in Arunachal Pradesh to boost the tourism.

Ms Soni would flag off the Siang River Rafting Expedition and Mountain Expedition to Dipun Adi here today.

Inaugurating the second Siang River Festival with the moto 'Come and Explore' at Tuting in Upper Siang district, Ms Soni said to develop tourism the state needs good hotels manned by trained persons, which could only be possible through the proposed institute.

'' we have to take initiatives so that film industry can shoot their films in the laps of nature. I will take all possible measures to ensure that the festival turns into a major-revenue generating event," Ms Soni said.

She also assured to promote the state's handloom and handicraft products in the national and international markets.

Stating tourism as the fastest growing industry of the economy worldwide, Chief Minister Gegong Apang called upon Ms Soni to explore the tourism potential of the state.

Siang having religious and spiritual significance with its massive hydropower potential promises to become the most valuable source of clean and renewable energy in the country, Mr Apang said. UNI