Union Tourism Minister (I/C) K J Alphons said that the issue of direct connectivity of the North Eastern states to neighbouring countries would be taken up with Union Civil Aviation Ministry to increase the inflow of foreign tourists to the region. Addressing the 6th International Tourism Mart (ITM) in Guwahati, Alphons said that we have the capability to put India on the forefront in the field of tourism and for this we need to realize the tourism potential of North Eastern States and need to work together.
The three-day ITM, organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, in association with the North Eastern states, was inaugurated by Jagdish Mukhi, Governor of Assam in the presence of Sarbananda Sonowal, Chief Minister of Assam; Pema Khandu, Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh; Hemanta Biswa Sarma, Minister for Tourism of Assam and Union Tourism Secretary Rashmi Verma amongst others.
Delivering inaugural address, Mukhi said that this Mart is a wonderful platform in developing inter-regional tourism between the ASEAN and North East region as well as with BIMSTEC countries. “We must take full opportunity to promote the State by interacting with the delegates in a fruitful manner.” Keeping in view the Act East Policy of the Government, this platform will serve its purpose.
Sonowal informed that recently Assam Government has enacted the ‘New Tourism Policy’ which will facilitate the tourists and other stakeholders. He said that ‘Once you visit Assam, it will steal forever’. Assam want to grow without destroying our eco-system and tourism is the most potential sector in Assam. Khandu said that connectivity and infrastructure are two problems which North Eastern States are facing. He hoped that due to initiatives like International Tourism Mart, very soon tourist arrivals in North Eastern States will be increased substantially.
Sarma said that North East region has a number of tourism sites which need to be converted in to tourist destinations with better approach. He said that North Eastern States are very safe for tourists as there are hardly any news of crime against them. He said that the new tourism policy will boost tourism sector in Assam.
Verma said that the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India is paying much attention on the promotion of tourism in North Eastern States of the country. She opined that there is a need to have better synergy with private sector. She suggested that the North Eastern States should regularly participate in road shows in foreign countries.
The Mart has put the spotlight on India’s “Act East Policy”, blossoming ties with ASEAN and the larger East Asia region. The ITM – 2017 has also seen an active participation by the Ministry of DONER to synergize the process of development of tourism of the North East Region.
The event was attended by 66 foreign delegates comprising of stakeholders and media persons from over 28 countries and 50 domestic stakeholders from other parts of the country and 103 sellers from the North Eastern States.
