State News

NE region being marketed as attractive tourist destination

By IndianMandarins- 26 Nov 2018
580

ne-region-being-marketed-as-attractive-tourist-destination

The central government has initiated several steps to boost tourism in northeastern states. 

 

Among the measures figure the easing of permission for foreign tourists other than those from China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan to tour the NE region, said Union Tourism Secretary Rashmi Verma at the 7th edition of the International Tourism Mart in which 52 foreign delegates from 18 countries participated.

 

"Compared to 2016, the flow of foreign tourists visiting the northeastern states increased by 16.7 percent last year while the domestic tourists visiting the region increased by 22.8 percent," she said.

 

"Tourism is a seasonal affair in most parts of our country but in the picturesque northeastern region with abundant greenery, tourism is a year-long affair. Tourists from abroad are affectionate to eco-tourism, adventure tourism besides observing wild animals and all these are available in the eight northeastern states', she pointed out.

 

Mrs Verma said rail and road connectivities have been improved a lot in the northeastern states. Brahmaputra river cruises and the tea gardens of Assam and other northeastern states would be helpful in boosting the attraction of both foreign and domestic tourists.


As part of the event, an exhibition by Tourism Departments of the eight northeastern states including display of beautiful and valued handicrafts and handlooms was also organized last week to highlight the tourism significance of these states.


She said the government has been using various social and digital media to showcase the tourism potential of the country.

 

Under the Rs 5,600 crore "Swadesh Darshan" scheme, 67 projects are being implemented to develop selected tourist places with standard international facilities, Verma said.

 

Road-shows are also being organized in some countries to highlight the tourism potentiality of India and e-visa systems were introduced for the citizens of 166 countries, she said.

 

Union Tourism Minister K.J. Alphons, Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb and Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki addressed the inaugural session of the mart.

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