GUWAHATI: Every year, January 25 is observed as National Tourism Day in India. The aim of the day is to highlight the prominence of tourism in the country and how it impacts India’s economic prospects.
With other parts of the country, Assam in northeast India is also blessed with immense possibilities and resources in tourism sector.
Taking to Twitter on National Tourism Day, Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal wrote, “Greetings on #NationalTourismDay. A land of majestic rivers, mystic temples, delectable cuisines and diverse culture, Assam is an unexplored retreat for every tourist. I urge all to come, visit, explore and #DiscoverAssam.”
Greetings on #NationalTourismDay.
A land of majestic rivers, mystic temples, delectable cuisines and diverse culture, Assam is an unexplored retreat for every tourist. I urge all to come, visit, explore and #DiscoverAssam. pic.twitter.com/PAk18NjaEL
— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) January 25, 2021
It is not known when exactly this day came about. However, in 1948, a Tourist Traffic Committee was formed to promote tourism. The first regional offices of the same were established in Delhi and Mumbai. Three years later, in 1951, more offices were added in Kolkata and Chennai.
A department specifically pertaining to tourism was established in 1958 under the Ministry of Tourism and Communication that was headed by the Deputy General in the rank of Joint Secretary.
The day’s importance is plain and simple. It is to highlight the prominence of tourism in the country and how it impacts India’s economic prospects. Each and every region in the country has a rich history attached to it that is commemorated in various ways. Tourism is the best way to highlight it all. Along with this, people are educated about the role it plays in the country as well.
This year, the theme of National Tourism Day is ‘Dekho Apna Desh’. Owing to the deadly coronavirus, tourism was deeply impacted by the lockdown that was put in the country to curb COVID-19’s rampant spread. This time, this day will be observed virtually. From January 21 to February 22, the Ministry of Tourism has been organizing seminars pertaining to the theme. With that, they want to showcase the diverse culture of our country.
