Assam records 511% growth in domestic and 763% growth in foreign tourists

In a bid to promote Assam as the most film tourism-friendly state that familiarities single-window clearances for shooting movies, Assam tourism conducted a roadshow at the Grand Hyatt, Mumbai. The B2B event was inaugurated by the Minister of Tourism Jayanta Malla Baruah. ATDC Chairman, Vice Chairman and other key officials from Assam Tourism were present at the event. An MoU was signed between Assam Tourism Development Corporation and Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation for cross promotion of tourism in both the states. In his welcome speech, Rituparna Baruah, Chairman, ATDC, invited tourists to visit Assam and promised it to be an experience of a lifetime.

Jayanta Malla Baruah, Minister, Public Health Engineering, Skill Development Employment & Entrepreneurship and Tourism; Government of Assam said, “We are putting a lot of effort into promoting film tourism in the state and making it the most film tourism-friendly state by facilitating shooting permissions with single-window clearances for film projects and providing necessary support to attract filmmakers. Assam, which is well connected to any part of the country, with excellent road infrastructure and peaceful conditions, is known for spiritual, wildlife, river and adventure tourism.”

Kumar Padmapani Bora, IRS, Secretary, Tourism and Managing Director of Assam Tourism Development Corporation said, “Assam’s tourism sector has recorded 511 % and 763 % growth in domestic and foreign tourists’ inflow respectively in 2022 compared to 2021 as per January 2023 data. In State’s New Tourism Policy, special focus has been given on EoDB and facilitating single window clearance for Film Tourism. We are going to implement the policy aggressively and promote Assam as the ultimate Film Tourism destination in consultation with the film fraternity and tourism stakeholders. With New Tourism Policy 2022, prepared in consultation of World Bank and with State’s constant endeavour towards promoting private investments in tourism sector, government has signed mega hospitality projects by renowned groups like Tata, Hyatt in places like Kaziranga, Manas etc. State has recently granted Industry status to Tourism sector which would certainly be a major boost for private investments into the State.”

The roadshow kickstarted with a video presentation which would provide a formidable overview of tourism in the state of Assam. It showcased some of the most iconic destinations in Assam and how they can be enjoyed by visitors from all over India. The video also provided an overview of the various activities that are available to tourists and how they can be enjoyed during their stay in Assam.

It provided an overview of Assam tourism opportunities by highlighting the state’s unique biodiversity and vibrant culture alongside its pristine waters, forests, mountains and rivers that provide the state with limitless possibilities in the field of film shooting and tourism.

A panel discussion was held on Assam as a promising film tourism destination at the event, which had panellists including Ms. Shobha Sant, Head Content Alliances, Jio Studios; Vaibhav Modi, Group Head Ad Sales – VAOO, Mumbai; Jinesh Shah – Head, Originals, Roy Kapur Films; actor Mahesh Manjrekar,  Sumeet Kapahi, Director, Abundantia Entertainment; Sanjive Narain – Producer and Karan Oberoi. The panel discussion was moderated by actor Adil Hussain.

Assam has launched a state-of-the-art website of Assam Tourism as single point contact for inbound tourists having facilities of online bookings of hotels, safaris etc. State has also granted industry status to Tourism sector and Assam is one of the few states in India to grant such status.