How PM Modi’s 'Midas touch' to Kaziranga National Park can turn the region into a tourism hotspot

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Kaziranga National Park in Assam has sparked a wave of optimism and enthusiasm for the tourism sector in the region. His visit, marked by its significance and impact, has not only elevated the profile of Kaziranga but has also put Assam on the global tourism map.

Kaziranga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rich biodiversity and conservation efforts, experienced a surge in tourism following the Prime Minister's visit. The record footfall witnessed in the park this year can be attributed to the visibility and attention garnered during Modi's tour. His presence has transformed Kaziranga into a burgeoning tourism hotspot, attracting both domestic and international visitors eager to explore its natural wonders.
One of the most notable outcomes of PM Modi's visit is the increased interest from investors in hospitality projects within Kaziranga and its surrounding areas. Top hospitality groups have expressed keen interest in establishing ventures, recognizing the region's potential for growth and development in tourism infrastructure. The Prime Minister's endorsement of Kaziranga as a tourism destination has further fueled this enthusiasm, positioning him as a de facto brand ambassador for the region.

Speaking to India TodayNE, Padmapani Bora, IRS, MD Assam Tourism Development Corporation expressed the positivity that Kaziranga National Park has received after the recent visit of the Prime Minister and how this visit will remain special in the coming days. “PM Modi's visit is special in a way that it will give us mileage no doubt. Kaziranga has witnessed record footfall this current year.. The Prime Minister's visit to the national park will definitely make it a tourism hotspot in the coming days. And we are seeing a surge in the number of investors who are showing keen interest in Kaziranga for hospitality projects. We have already received many such positive responses from various top hospitality groups for setting up hospitality projects. And the way the Prime Minister has visited Kaziranga in his unique style, I think he has become the brand ambassador of Kaziranga because we don't need any ambassador more than the Prime Minister himself. So Assam is blessed to have him as an ambassador”, added Padmapani Bora.

However, the impact of PM Modi's visit extends beyond Kaziranga, casting a spotlight on Assam's tourism sector as a whole. In addition to his visit to the national park, PM Modi inaugurated the largest statue of Lachit Barphukan in Jorhat, showcasing the cultural richness of the region. Moreover, the virtual launch of Swadesh Darshan 2.0, a government-supported initiative aimed at promoting tourism, underscores the commitment to fostering sustainable growth in the sector.

“Not only Kaziranga, but PM Modi's visit has trully brought Assam into the limelight with respect to the tourism sector. He inaugurated the largest statue of Lachit Barphukan in Jorhat. Also he has virtually launched the project Swadesh Darshan 2.0, a project by Government of India supporting us. Continuously from March 7 several developmental projects have been launched across the state, especially in the tourism sector. And several infrastructural projects which the Prime Minister has laid the foundation during those days, we have seen the economic packages we have. But tourism has a significant space in the current period. This will in no doubt help create our own brand – Assam”, added Bora. 

The series of developmental projects initiated by PM Modi during his visit, particularly those focused on tourism infrastructure, are poised to drive economic growth and elevate Assam's profile as a premier tourist destination. These initiatives not only enhance the visitor experience but also contribute to the overall branding of Assam as a distinctive and alluring destination.

PM Modi's stature as a national leader and his proactive engagement in promoting tourism have elevated India's image on the global stage. His visit to Kaziranga, among the few national parks he has toured, highlights the government's commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable tourism practices. By leading from the front, PM Modi has reinforced India's position as a responsible custodian of its natural heritage while simultaneously catalyzing economic development in the region.

Speaking on the impact PM Modi's visit has put on various regions across the country, the Prime Minister's visit to Lakshadweep served as a powerful catalyst for showcasing the archipelago's unparalleled natural beauty to the world. His personal engagement and endorsement of the region as a must-visit destination resonated with travelers, drawing attention to the pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life that characterize Lakshadweep. Through his symbolic gestures and interactions with locals, PM Modi highlighted the intrinsic value of preserving Lakshadweep's ecological treasures, thus instilling a sense of responsibility and stewardship among visitors towards conservation efforts.

One of the key outcomes of PM Modi's visit was the impetus it provided to infrastructure development and accessibility in Lakshadweep. Recognizing the importance of robust infrastructure for promoting tourism, the Prime Minister announced strategic initiatives aimed at improving connectivity, enhancing accommodation facilities, and upgrading amenities for visitors. The inauguration of new airports, expansion of port facilities, and investment in tourism infrastructure projects have not only facilitated easier access to Lakshadweep but have also elevated the overall tourist experience, making it more convenient and enjoyable for travelers.

PM Modi's visit to Kaziranga National Park has served as a catalyst for the growth of tourism in Assam, propelling the region into the limelight and attracting investments in hospitality and infrastructure projects. His endorsement of Kaziranga as a tourism hotspot, coupled with the launch of key initiatives, underscores the government's commitment to promoting sustainable tourism and fostering economic prosperity in the region. As Assam emerges as a premier destination on the tourism map, PM Modi's visit will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the region's journey towards growth and development.

Also read: Scores of migratory birds die of suspected poisoning in Kaziranga National Park