Clad in a checked shirt with a matching jacket, Kumar Padmapani Bora, IRS, Secretary, Tourism Department & MD, Assam Tourism Development Corporation was in a tearing hurry on a balmy Wednesday morning as he was to attend a meeting. He however, took out a few minutes to speak to T P Venu & Sudheer Goutham on the potential of the tourism sector. Excerpts from the interview:
Tell us how industry status to Assam will help the tourism sector
Assam is one among the few states in the country to have accorded industry status to tourism sector. The policy has been approved by the Government of India with special emphasis on private-public partnerships (PPPs) in the next five years. With the grant, restaurants, cafeterias, health clubs, spas and wellness centers, among others, in the state are eligible for incentives under the industrial policy.
The opportunities are multi-fold with new units such as heritage hotels, bungalows, camping sites, restaurants, amusement parks, ropeways, museums, tour operator service, adventure parks, water sports will be included. The face of tourism sector is going to change for the better in the next few years.
What is the response from private players for investments in Assam?
Defined guidelines are being framed for the investments to new units. A hotel project at Manas National Park by the Taj Group is coming up. A feasibility study on Taj resort at Kaziranga National Park too is under consideration. Another hotel in Kaziranga by Saraf Hotel Enterprises (Hyatt Group of Hotels) is also coming up. Misa Polo Club in Kellydan Tea Estate development is also in the pipeline. Land survey has been done.
The USP of Assam unlike other destinations is the sand bank right in the middle of the River Brahmaputra. The Brahmaputra Carnival showcases Assam’s culture, customs, handicrafts, and cuisine
River Tourism has huge potential. Your comments
We have river cruises daily apart from a luxury cruise from Guwahati to Majuli and Dibrugarh. The USP of Assam as opposed to other tourist destinations like Goa and Kerala is there is a sand bank right in the middle of the River Brahmaputra with ferry service every 30 minutes. The recent Brahmaputra Carnival was a huge hit.
The World’s longest river cruise MV Ganga Vilas ship cruised along the mighty Brahmaputra and the 28 foreign tourists visited several places including Dhubri, Goalpara, Sualkuchi, Pandu, Tezpur and archaeological site of Da Parbatiya. These tourists are the ambassadors of Assam. The response from them has been encouraging as they have been captivated by the natural beauty of Assam.
The Kaziranga National Park along with Manas and Pobitoro Wildlife Sanctuary have the potential for longer stays and could also turn into wedding destinations
What are the plans to further develop tourism in the state?
Assam has immense potential in not just one aspect; there is scope for religious tourism with the Maa Kamakya temple. It has been has been mentioned in Kalika Purana and is one of India’s most revered Shakti Peethas associated with the Shiva and Daksha Yagna legend. Then there is rural tourism, every district has a charm of its own with eco-friendly houses, hundreds of tea gardens, rivulets and the mighty Brahmaputra dotting the landscape.
The Kaziranga National Park along with Manas and Pobitoro Wildlife Sanctuary have the potential for longer stays and could also turn into wedding destinations. With the helicopter service from Guwahati to Tezpur, Jorhat and Dibrugarh by Pawan Hans connectivity is no longer an issue. Also, the roads are good and train service prompt. The Government is also providing viability funding for certain air carriers.
Tell us about the initiatives by the Government to promote tea tourism
The cabinet has approved a budget for developing 50 tea gardens. The scouting has been completed and Rs 2 crore is the upper limit to develop infrastructure. It comes with a rider the proposed tea gardens need to be close to the tourist circuit. There are a lot of old bungalows that exude an old world charm which could be preserved for posterity.
Golf courses within the tea estates have huge potential for the luxury traveller. The Government is open to investors who evince interest for the long term. Staying in the middle of a tea garden, indulging in tea tasting sessions, plucking tea leaves and watching the vast green carpets from every corner of the room is an experience in itself.
What are the initiatives to make a trip to Assam easy?
One can sit from any corner in the world and book hotels through the tourism website. Those interested in safari, can do the booking for the safari at Kaziranga. The ‘Amar Alohi’ village homestay scheme is a win-win for all parties, visitors will get a real taste of hospitality and know Assamese culture and educated unemployed youth will become financially independent. The main objective of the scheme is to facilitate accommodation and food to tourists in the rural areas.
The Government is promoting home stays more aggressively to increase the number from the present 64 units. Presently, there is facilitation of one-bedroom but the plan is for two-bedrooms as well. Interested individuals are encouraged to venture into home stays and there is a subsidy to develop the homestay as well.
