Sell tourism as a product to derive maximum benefits, says CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has exhorted various stakeholders to sell Assam's tourism as a product to derive maximum benefits.

"Tourism is a product and has to be sold to tourists by making it attractive and unique. Despite having tremendous potential, Assam has not so far done much to tap tourism for its greater benefits. Neither the government nor the Tourism department ever tried to sell tourism as a product. The State is gifted with many tourism prospects, and with proper tapping of these factors, Assam can excel in this sector," said Sarma while addressing the gathering at the 'Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra' here on Monday on the occasion of 'World Tourism Day'.

Stating that the Covid-19 pandemic adversely affected the Tourism sector during the last two years, the Chief Minister, however, hoped that 2022 would be a fantastic year for the Tourism sector.

"People have become extremely bored as they remained indoors for such a long time. But now, they want to visit other places. We will have to facilitate the tourists by maintaining Covid-19 safety protocols. Assam's tourism should not be Kaziranga centric. There are many tourists' attractions in Dima Hasao, Karbi Anglong, Silchar and other places in the State. All these places will have to be explored and developed for tourists.

"Unique ideas always sell in the Tourism industry," said Sarma, adding that the recent introduction of a tourist special train between Guwahati and Haflong with Vistadome coaches by NF Railway. He added that tourism can now grow tremendously as life is now safer in the State after the majority of the extremists groups joined the mainstream.

Under a Covid-19 relief package, the Chief Minister on Monday provided Rs 2 lakk each to 142 tour operators and Rs 25,000 each to 605 tour guides.

Earlier speaking on the occasion, BTC chief Pramod Boro urged the tour operators to explore tourism potentials in Bodoland areas. He said that with peace returning to the Bodoland areas it is time for tourism to grow.

The function was attended by prominent individuals and organizations associated with the Tourism sector — including officials from the Indian Institute of Hotel Management, president of Indian Association of Tour Operators Rajiv Mehra and former president of the 'Adventure Tour Operators Association of India' Capt. Swadesh Kumar.

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