TAAS completes ecotourism training for NE tourism stakeholders

GANGTOK, 12 Jan: Travel Agents Association of Sikkim (TAAS) has completed the training on Ecotourism for tourism stake holders of North East Region which was sponsored by North Eastern Council (NEC), Ministry of DoNER, further supported by the Government of Sikkim.
Total of 19 trainees from Sikkim (7), Assam (4), Meghalaya (6) and Arunachal Pradesh (3) successfully completed the training, informs a TAAS release.
The Ecotourism Course started on 15 Dec 2011 and concluded on 12 Jan 2012. Certificates were awarded to the successful participants by the chief guest, vice president of TAAS, Sailesh Pradhan in a valedictory function.
Trainees were imparted the concept of ecotourism, advent of ecotourism, marketing, promotion, ecotourism destination, national parks and gardens and their roles, the release informs.
Other areas covered were responsibility of eco tourists, tourism stake holders in the participatory approach to achieve the definition of Eco tourism. Product identification, product creation and its proper use by the community and tourists alike was also part of the training.
Training on control of negative impact of tourism, conservation, bio diversity and awareness activities was also given. Select areas for bird watching was given top priority as the North East is one of the richest regions for birds, the release mentions.
Trainees were also taken for field trips to Lingee-Payong home stay, Dzongu for eco tourism and product identification practical work. While, training on natural trails, culture, camp management was imparted in Pelling and Yuksom.
Exams were conducted on 12 Jan for qualification for the certificates wherein 19 participants successfully completed the course, the release further adds.