Assam Tourism organized Tourism Roadshow, B2B meet in Mumbai

 

Mumbai: 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 hon'ble Minister of Tourism – Assam Shri Jayanta Malla Baruah, ATDC Chairman, Vice Chairman, Additional Chief Secretary to the Govt of Assam - Tourism Department, Secretary to the Govt of Assam - Tourism Department, 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 the cross-promotion of tourism in both states. In his welcome speech, Shri Rituparna Baruah, Chairman, ATDC, invited tourists to visit Assam and promised it to be an experience of a lifetime.

Shri 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 to 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 with World Bank and with State’s constant endeavor towards promoting private investments in the tourism sector, the government has signed mega hospitality projects by renowned groups like Tata, and Hyatt in places like Kaziranga, Manas, etc. The state has recently granted Industry status to the Tourism sector which would certainly be a major boost for private investments into the State.”

Renowned Indian Actor Adil Hussain said, “I am so very pleased that the Government of Assam, especially the Department of Tourism is taking the much awaited and much-needed initiative for Putting Assam on the map of Film Shooting Tourism.

I appreciate the Tremendous endeavor taken by the Honourable Minister of Tourism Assam Mr. Jayanta MallaBarua and Secretary, of Tourism, and MD, ATDC Kumar Padmapani Bora for this initiative. I sincerely hope that Hindi Film Industry and All the OTT Platforms would be keen to explore the Untouched Natural Beauty and the rich Culture of Assam in their upcoming Productions.

I wish in my lifetime Assam becomes the go-to destination for Film Tourism and introduces Assam to the Larger Audience of the world... Also Sincerely Expect that the Government of Assam will do the Utmost Best to keep their end of the bargain and prove that Assam is truly Awesome.”

The roadshow kickstarted with a video presentation that 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's 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 panelists including Ms. Shobha Sant, Head Content Alliances, Jio Studios; Mr. Vaibhav Modi, Group Head Ad Sales - VAOO, Mumbai; Mr. Jinesh Shah – Head, Originals, Roy Kapur Films; Mr. Mahesh Manjrekar, Indian actor, film director, screenwriter, and producer; Mr. Sumeet Kapahi, Director, Abundantia Entertainment; Mr. Abhimanyu Ray, Casting Director; Papon, Mr. Padmakumar Narashimhamurthy, Film Director, Writer; Mr. Partha S Mahanta, - DIG (Admin); Mr. Sanjive Narain – Producer and Mr. Karan Oberoi. The panel discussion was moderated by Indian actor Mr. Adil Hussain and Mr. Kaushik Deka – Executive Editor, of India Today.

The event also provided an opportunity to discuss issues related to sustainable development and conservation of natural resources in Assam along with discussions on how to build on the state's tourism potential, as well as promote the region as an attractive destination for international tourists.

Assam has launched a state-of-the-art website of Assam Tourism as the single point contact for inbound tourists having facilities for online bookings of hotels, safaris, etc. The state has also granted industry status to the Tourism sector and Assam is one of the few states in India to grant such status. Assam is committed for a tourist and investment-friendly tourism destination with sustainable and responsible tourism as its prime objectives.