Assam is expecting over 75 lakh domestic and 50,000 foreign tourists to visit the State, following digital promotions and documentaries, according to a top government official. ‘We received around 41,000 overseas and 60,27,002 domestic visitors in FY19. On the back of the promotions we are doing, both in the country and overseas, through digital medium and a series of documentaries in National Geographic, we expect this number to grow to over 50,000 foreign and over 75 lakh Indian travellers in this financial year,’ stated Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) chairman Jayanta Malla Baruah.
The top source market of the State is the UK followed by Germany, Israel, and China and South Asian countries. ‘As we have direct connectivity to Thailand and Bangladesh, we are planning to tap tourism opportunities in South East Asia. Besides, we are also looking at our existing markets in Europe,’ he added.
In 2018-19, the State hosted 60,27,002 Indian travellers. He also revealed the World Bank has given in-principal allocation of Rs 720 crore for infrastructure development of various destinations. Prime Minister has declared 17 destinations as iconic, and Kaziranga National Park is in the list, he informed, while adding that separate funds will be allocated by the Central government.
He also stated that ATDC aims to promote not only Assam’s natural untouched beauty but also the State’s rich and composite culture, tea gardens, wildlife and many more.
