Assam Tourism Development Corporation

Assam Tourism Development Corporation
অসম পৰ্যটন উন্নয়ন নিগম
Government of Assam Undertaking
Industry Tourism, Ecotourism, Hotel Management
Founded 9 June 1988
Headquarters Paryatan Bhawan, Paltan Bazaar, Guwahati, India
Area served
Assam, India
Services Tourism sector
Website http://assamtourism.gov.in/atdc/index.html
The headquarter of ATDC Ltd.

Assam Tourism Development Corporation or ATDC (Assamese: অসম পৰ্যটন উন্নয়ন নিগম) is a state owned corporation of Assam. It looks tourism services and development as a part of Assam Tourism Department along with Directorate of Tourism. The State Govt. of Assam set up the Corporation on 9 June 1988.[1][2] The ATDC is headquartered at Guwahati (26°10′41″N 91°44′58″E / 26.1780427°N 91.7495255°E / 26.1780427; 91.7495255) and has district offices across Assam. Its official slogan is "Awesome Assam."[3]

History of Tourism in Assam

Once, this northeastern state of India was known as Pragjyotishpura than Kamrupa. During Ahom rule the land was called Axom, foreigners pronounced it as Assam. Assam was ruled by many kingdoms from ancient times. In 1826, British took over Assam and made a separate state. From ancient time tourists are coming to this land. Chinese traveler Xuanzang visited Kamrupa during Bhaskarvarman in 7th century.

In 1958, the Department of Tourism was established; in 1962, information office opened in Kaziranga; and in 1965, information office opened in Sivasagar.[4]

In 1987 (during 7th Five Year Plan), the first ever tourism policy of Assam notified and subsequently ATDC was formed with a paid up capital of 24 lakh. In the same year the State Government declared tourism as a industry. [4]

In mid 70s Assam Tourism starts properties near Kaziranga and other places as Aranya, Banani, Banashree, MV Jolporee etc. After creation of ATDC, some of them handed over to ATDC to operate. From beginning, ATDC creates many tourist lodges, yatriniwas, parks, wayside amenities with a brand name of "Prashaanti". In 2009, a "Tourist Arrival cum Reception Center" was opened in Guwahati, which is presently known as "Asom Paryatan Bhawan". In 2012, ATDC starts a luxury cruise, MV Mahabaahu in joint venture.[5]

In 1995 the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) from Assam had been withdrawn which was imposed in 1962 after Chinese attack.[4]

Properties

Assam Tourism has more than 50 properties including lodge, wayside amenities, restaurant, parks, rope way, amusement parks, cruise etc. in different locations across Assam. Out of which Directorate of Tourism runs 8 lodges. ATDC operates directly 7 lodges and others properties are on lease to private parties.[6]

Ropeway at Samaguri Lake, Nagaon, Assam, India

Properties near Kaziranga National Park of Golaghat and Nagaon districts:

Prashaanti Lodges and tourist complexes of other places:

More than 15 parks & restaurants across Assam runs under ATDC on lease.

Red River Tours & Travels is its travel wing, operates customized and conducted tours (Kaziranga tour, city tour, pilgrimage tour etc.).[7]

See Also

External Links

Reference

  1. "About ATDC". Assam Tourism.
  2. As per notified in Tourism Policy 1987
  3. "Assam to aggressively promote brand entity "Awesome Assam"". The Economic Times.
  4. 1 2 3 Kangki Megu (2007). Development Issues in North-East Region. Mittal Publications. pp. (23) 235. ISBN 81-8324-198-0.
  5. "MV MAHABAAHU". Reader Offers Ltd.
  6. "ATDC Property". ATDC.
  7. "Red River - A unit of Assam Tourism Development Corporation". ATDC.
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