Governor Jagdish Mukhi along with Union Minister of State for Tourism AJ Alphons and Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the 6th International Tourism Mart 2017 in Guwahati on Tuesday. Speaking at the inauguration, the Union Minister said that the issue of direct air connectivity of the North-East with the neighbouring countries would be taken up with the Ministry of Civil Aviation for improving the inflow of international tourists to the region.
The event focusses on promoting tourism potential of NE in ASEAN. Around 66 foreign delegates comprising stakeholders and media persons from over 29 countries and 50 domestic stakeholders in tourism sector participated in the mart.
Governor Mukhi said that it was 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,” he said.
“Assam is a land of undiluted beauty. India takes pride in venerating our guests and Assam is famous for its hospitality. This mart will go a long way in reflecting the true tourism potential of Assam and the North-East,” he added.
Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, while addressing the international and national delegates said that the beauty and pollution free environment of Assam and the North-East would give a whole new experience to the tourist, who want a break in the lap of the nature.
“To boost tourism in the region, the Central Government has sanctioned 14 major projects worth Rs 1,200 crore of which Assam has two major projects worth Rs 194 crore,” said Rashmi Verma, Union Tourism Secretary. She further informed about the Union Government’s plan to develop North-East as a preferred destination for adventure tourism.
