The Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) continues its commitment to promoting community-based tourism with the distribution of sanction letters for the Amar Alohi Rural Home-Stay 2022-23 Scheme. The Honourable Tourism Minister of Assam, Jayanta Malla Baruah, presided over the distribution ceremony held recently.
The ‘Amar Aalohi’ Homestay Scheme by the Tourism Department, Govt. of Assam, aims to promote homestay facilities, create self-employment opportunities, and provide authentic hospitality experiences to tourists.
Five clusters including Dima Hasao Adventure Association (Dima Hasao), Umswai Valley Green & Clean Protection Committee (West Karbi Anglong), Dichang Welfare Foundation/Siupaatphaa Social Foundation (Charaideo), Dihing Patkai SHG (Dibrugarh), Chiram Social Foundation Deori Community (Majuli) were awarded the sanction letters on the occasion.
Speaking at the ceremony, Jayanta Mallabaruah, Minister Tourism, Government of Assam highlighted the transformative impact of the scheme on local communities. He emphasised that the scheme not only provides economic benefits to the beneficiaries but also enriches the tourism experience for visitors by offering authentic local hospitality.
Speaking on the same, Kumar Padmapani Bora, IRS, Secretary, Tourism and Managing Director of Assam Tourism Development Corporation said, “A group/cluster of minimum 10 homestay units formed into a Community Tourism Organization near various tourist spots were considered as eligible applicants for this scheme.”
“These units established with the goal of promoting tourism activities within the local community provide accommodation and hospitality services to tourists while ensuring the active involvement and participation of the local community,” he added.
The sanction letters were issued subject to compliance with the terms and conditions of the scheme, including the execution of an agreement with ATDC. The agreement will be valid for seven years and includes provisions regarding the use of the unit, maintenance of standards, and attendance at training programs.
The Department of Tourism will provide publicity and marketing support to the units through print and electronic media and such other means. Such enlistment is subject to satisfactory periodic review based on customer review and inspection.
Local Village Tourism Committees exists or formed will monitor the different aspects regarding cleanliness, safety and security of the tourists and such other issues so that their day to day management are transparent and conducive to the image of the localities. ATDC remains committed to promoting sustainable tourism and empowering local communities in Assam.
