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In the aftermath of Covid-19 pandemic, the overall footfall of tourists in Assam has surpassed pre-pandemic records, but the state has witnessed an annual decline in the number of foreign tourists. However, the number of domestic tourists has shown an upward trend in the last couple of years.
Replying to a question by Independent MLA Akhil Gogoi in the state assembly on annual flow of tourists and infrastructure built in the state by the present govt, state tourism minister Jayanta Malla Baruah informed the House that 2022-23 recorded 98.31 lakh tourists, which is so far highest in a year since 2016.
During the period, the second highest of 60.68 lakh tourists visited the state in 2018-19. Then, the fall in foreign tourist number started in 2019-20 when the state recorded 18,594 foreigners.
In the two years of pandemic it came down to as low as 347 in 2020-21 and 1,231 in 2021-22.
From 60.68 lakh overall tourist footfall in 2018-19, the corresponding figure went up to 98.31 lakh in 2022-23 but the number of foreign tourists declined from 41,209 in 2018-19 to 18,946 in 2022-23.
The airport will soon be widened enabling the bigger aircrafts to land thus increasing the footfall of the tourists and facilitating the locals as well. Besides, the airport now would meet the required regulatory standards of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and will further enhance the extra safety measures.
Though the tourist season is yet to culminate for 2023-24, the number of foreign tourists this year has been 16,166. In 2023-24 (till January this year), overall 58.52 lakh tourists visited the state.
Contrary to the significant increase in overall tourist footfall in the last two years compared to two pandemic-affected and pre-pandemic years, the number of foreign tourists visiting the state continues to be lower.
“Besides the projects initiated by the tourism department, state govt, through various other departments, has started several big projects to preserve Assam’s heritage. Hopefully, in the years to come, these projects will play a major role in attracting foreign and domestic tourists,” Baruah said.
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