HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, March 12: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday stated that over 3 crore domestic tourists have visited Assam in the last four years, as the state has become a popular tourism destination.
Sarma also mentioned that more than 60,000 international tourists have visited Assam since 2021.
“Assam—your destination for all reasons and all seasons. Since 2021, close to 3 crore domestic and over 60,000 foreign tourists have chosen Assam as their preferred tourist destination,” Sarma wrote on the micro-blogging site X.
The increasing influx of international travelers further underscores the state’s expanding global footprint in the tourism sector, Sarma added.
The chief minister credited several government initiatives aimed at enhancing connectivity, preserving cultural landmarks, and promoting eco-tourism for this growth.
“With its lush landscapes, wildlife reserves like Kaziranga National Park, and vibrant festivals, Assam is steadily gaining recognition as a top-tier travel destination in India,” he said.
Authorities are now focusing on strengthening tourism infrastructure and ensuring visitor safety to sustain this upward trend.
The central government has also approved Rs 200 crore for the development of two iconic tourist sites in the state—Rang Ghar and the state zoo.
Sarma expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the approval of the special assistance to boost tourism in Assam.
Last year, Prime Minister Modi spent a night at Kaziranga National Park. During his recent visit to Assam for the “Advantage Assam” investment summit, he mentioned that he was the first Prime Minister to stay overnight at the UNESCO World Heritage site.
“Assam holds a special place in my heart, and I am the only Prime Minister in the country to have stayed overnight in Kaziranga National Park,” Modi said.
According to the Kaziranga park authorities, the UNESCO World Heritage site saw a surge in tourist numbers following the Prime Minister’s visit.