By Rashmi Pradhan

FAMOUS FOR Tourist destinations like its Kamakhya Temple and of course for the fragrance and quality of its tea, Assam Tourism is looking to develop circuit tourism in the state. To get ready to provide the infrastructure for the new circuit, the state expects an addition of 3,000 rooms in the next two years. Ashutosh Agnihotri, Commissioner and Secretary, Assam Tourism (see photo), spoke to this reporter and began by saying, ’Assam has a rich heritage and culture, we have everything from tribes, cuisines and dances, national parks with endangered species, UNESCO heritage sites, bird sanctuaries and of course pilgrimage sites. With such a vast offering, we are looking to develop circuit tourism in the state including religious, wildlife, adventure and cultural circuits. These circuits will be developed under both Public Private Partnership (PPP) and government-owned models.’

Speaking about accommodation in the state, Agnihotri said, ’Currently, we have two five-star hotels (Radisson Blu and Vivanta by Taj) and other star category hotels and resorts. A Courtyard by Marriott, a JW Marriott (most probably) and a Novotel is expected to come up in Guwahati soon. We are expecting 3000 additional room inventory in the next two years. The upcoming rooms will be across the various star categories within the state.’

Elaborating on the tourism plans, Agnihorti said, ’The state is coming up with a new tourism policy in the next two months. In addition, we are looking to engage with a professional branding agency to undertake all the promotional activities both nationally as well as internationally’.

Last year, Assam received 45 lakh domestic tourists and 25,000 international tourists. The potential is immense and the state looks forward the full potential of its tourist attracttions, he added.

Assam Tourism recently conducted road shows in Ahmedabad, Pune, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Mumbai to create awareness and promote the state as a tourism destination. It will conduct similar road shows in cities like Chandigarh, Kolkata, Chennai and Kochi, he said.