In a bid to promote Assam as the most film tourism-friendly state that uses single-window clearances for shooting movies, Assam tourism recently conducted a B2B roadshow in Mumbai. The event was inaugurated by the Assam’s Minister of Tourism Jayanta Malla Baruah and 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.
During the event, an MoU was signed between Assam Tourism Development Corporation and Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation for cross promotion of tourism in both the states. Sharing his thoughts on promoting tourism in Assam, the state Tourism Minister 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, Secretary, Tourism and Managing Director of Assam Tourism Development Corporation said, ““Assam’s tourism sector has recorded 511 per cent and 763 per cent 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 on Ease of Doing Business (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 the World Bank and with State’s constant endeavour towards promoting private investments in the tourism sector, the government has signed mega hospitality projects by renowned groups like Tata, 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.”
During the roadshow, a panel discussion was held on “Assam as a promising film tourism destination” which had panellists including Shobha Sant, Head Content Alliances, Jio Studios; Vaibhav Modi, Group Head Ad Sales – VAOO, Mumbai; Jinesh Shah – Head, Originals, Roy Kapur Films; Mahesh Manjrekar, Indian actor, film director, screenwriter and producer; Sumeet Kapahi, Director, Abundantia Entertainment; Abhimanyu Ray, Casting Director; Papon, Padmakumar Narashimhamurthy, Film Director, Writer; Partha S Mahanta, – DIG (Admin); Sanjive Narain – Producer and Karan Oberoi.
The event also provided an opportunity to discuss issues related to sustainable development and conservation of natural resources in the state 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 single point contact for inbound tourists having facilities of online bookings of hotels, safaris etc. 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.
