Assam: Chief Minister Sonowal calls for revival of tourism industry amid COVID-19 crisis

Guwahati: At the 'Tourism Conclave 2020' that was held in Guwahati on Saturday, Assam's Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal took a resolve to revive the tourism sector, which has suffered a severe setback due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking during the occasion, that was attended by several key figures related to the Assam tourism industry, Sonowal said that although the people around the world are suffering due to the COVID, efforts have to be made to revive the ailing tourism industry.

"The coronavirus is going on, and it is likely to continue until the time a vaccine is rolled out. Day in and day out, scientists are trying to find a cure. However, until such a cure is invented, we have to figure out how to keep the tourism industry afloat. For that, we have to come up with a roadmap," Sonowal told the attendees of the program, urging them to come up with suggestions on how best to tackle this problem.

"We should be able to assure people that they will be safe to travel from one place to another, as it is the very essence of tourism," Sonowal continued, adding "In the coming days, we have to make efforts to make the tourism department entrepreneurship-driven and trustworthy, that will be the biggest challenge for us in the times going forward."

The CM also said that discussions are on to revive the tourism sector and dispelling the uncertainty that has clouded the minds of the tour operators and others attached to the industry. He further urged all to "market" the specialties of Assam in the world stage, so that Assam emerges as a tourism hub in the post-COVID world.

To provide relief to the tourism industry, Sonowal said that people associated with the sector will be given a loan ranging from Rs 1 lakh-Rs. 20 lakh. For the first year, the interest will be borne by the Assam Government.

"We have to take the tourism industry in a new direction and we should be able to say that despite these uncertain times, we have been able to take the tourism sector forward. We have to assure tourists that no matter where you come from, we will take every scientific measure to ensure your safety," Sonowal added.

It needs mention here that Sonowal today ceremonially handed over awards to winners of Awesome Assam photography, write-up, and short film competition at the 'Tourism Conclave 2020' held in Guwahati.

Along with other dignitaries present, the CM also launched a video and brochure on 'All Season Tourist Destinations' of Assam.

Today's conclave was organized by the Tourism department of Assam with the aim of revamping the tourism sector of the state, which was severely hit due to the COVID-19 and subsequent lockdowns.

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