Assam's Tourism Boom Highlighted at North Eastern Conference

Assam Tourism Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah emphasized the state's tourism growth at the North Eastern Tourism Ministers Conference. Foreign tourist arrivals jumped from 6,000 to 42,000, and domestic visits neared a crore. Strategies for Tea Tourism, Golf, Wildlife, and Religious Tourism were discussed along with infrastructure improvements.

Assam Tourism Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah attended the Tourism Ministers Conference for North Eastern and Eastern States, chaired by Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in Shillong on Monday. The conference focused on strategies to enhance the region's tourism sector.

In his address, Minister Mallabaruah noted the remarkable growth in Assam's tourism industry, with foreign tourist arrivals increasing from 6,000 to 42,000, and domestic footfall nearing a crore. 'Since 2016, Assam's tourism sector has undergone a significant transformation,' he stated, attributing the success to focused initiatives and government support.

Mallabaruah stressed the need for a comprehensive marketing strategy to unlock Assam's diverse tourist attractions, promoting Tea Tourism, Golf Tourism, Wildlife Tourism, and Religious Tourism. He emphasized regularizing airfares and developing luxury tourism infrastructure under the 'Amar Alohi' scheme, which includes facilitating homestays. He also proposed a tourism-focused search engine to aid local businesses.

The Minister highlighted the need to reshape Assam's external perceptions, often linked to insurgency and floods. He called for Union Government support to further boost the sector and indicated every village in Assam has the potential to be a tourist destination. Kumar Padmapani Bora presented on Assam's tourism initiatives, underscoring recent departmental efforts.

(With inputs from agencies.)