Abstract

In post liberalization period, among the other industries, the tourism industry has been given much emphasis by both central and state Government. But due to various causes and reasons, the tourism industry in Assam is not yet so developed as in other states of India. But there are many potentialities and prospects for tourism development in Assam. Tourism resources like nature or wildlife, religious institutions, cultural and folklore or ethnic heritage, archaeological and historical heritage are abundantly found in various parts of the state. Tourists both foreign and domestic have been visiting Assam for different areas of interest. Large amount of revenue is earned by the Government of Assam through various tourist spots and sites of the state. But due to infrastructural underdevelopment such as lack of good transportation and communication, accommodation, lack of maintenance and cleanliness, food and drinking water facilities as well as less publicity of sites and spots, it has not been possible to develop the tourism industry. The Tourism Policy of Assam, 2008, published by the Department of Tourism, Government of Assam has given importance on the religious and cultural heritage tourism. According to this policy document, proper steps would be taken for promotion and development of cultural and folklore or ethnic tourism in Assam. In post liberalization period also like other industries, tourism industry of Assam has not so developed because of infrastructural bottlenecks and lack of adequate fund provided for tourism development. As for example bell metal crafts of Sarthebari and brass metal crafts of Hajo are well known folk handicrafts of Assam. These two crafts have tremendous potentialities as a rural tourism industry but because of financial weakness of the craftsmen, infrastructural underdevelopment, problems of marketing and lack of competitive market, lack of publicity are the main constrains against a proper development and establish of tourism industry. These two traditionally most precious and rare rural industries will not survive in future in the face of the challenge of globalization and liberalization if necessary steps are not taken.

Description