Simplify! Pay VOA in Dollars
Committed to promoting tourism in the North East, Parvez Dewan, Secretary, MOT, said that he expects FTAS to the North East to increase by 20%. Dewan also talked about making VOA schemes simpler and faster.
“I don’t think there is any security problem in the North East for tourists.
One or two internal things between some people
At the International Tourism Mart, which was held in Guwahati between January 18-21, Dewan looked a happy man. And why not, the first- of- its- kind mart in North East India took off with a great start, and Dewan credits the Assam government for pulling off this feat. “They have done a fantastic job and the private sector of Assam has been really involved in this. The Assam government has pulled out all stops, the arrangements are marvellous, and all the 79 delegates are very happy.”
Talking to about the reception of the International Tourism Mart, Dewan said, “Our expectations are that the 79 delegates should go back and say ‘Wow, what a great place it is!’ This is what we are hoping for.” With insurgency problems plaguing the area, security is a major concern for the area. But Dewan says, does not mean there are security problems for the tourists. Mizoram has had peace for 20 years, Nagaland for about 30 years, Sikkim has always been peaceful, Assam is a great place to be in, and I don’t feel insecure anywhere.” And he definitely walks the talk as throughout the event, he was seen without any security around him. While the result of the mart is something that cannot be predicted so soon; however, Dewan expects the foreign tourist arrival in North East