GUWAHATI: An “overcrowded” Shillong may just be the trigger for neighbouring Assam to reorient its tourism strategy and focus on virgin destinations such as Umrangso.
“Shillong is overcrowded now and therefore we are focusing on looking at developing virgin spots in the state like Umrangso (in Dima Hasao district) for wooing both domestic and foreign tourists,” Assam tourism minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said here on Tuesday.
“Once the road and electricity are in place there, tourists will prefer Umrangso over Shillong. Infact, Umrangso has all the natural resources and scenic beauty to attract people from far and wide. Therefore, we need to transform our approach and reorient our outlook in this regard,” Sarma said.
Last month, Assam chief minister had announced plans to develop Umrangso along with other destinations in Dima Hasao district for a coveted slot in the global destination map.
The tourism minister also said that promotion visuals on Assam toursim has made waves in national and international media over the past year or so.
“We have to be selective also to include the best of the state’s destination in 30-second visuals,” Sarma added.
The minister also announced that subsidy will be given to filmmakers from not just Bollywood, but to those from the south as well for making movies in the state.
Priyanka shoot
Assam tourism’s brand ambassador and actor, Priyanka Chopra will soon visit the state for a three-day shoot, the minister said.
“The agreement (extension) with her will be discussed thereafter,” he added.