International confidence in Assam is steadily rising. Following Australia and Japan, the European Union has now withdrawn its restrictive travel advisory for Assam. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said this decision will open new opportunities for the state’s tourism, trade, and investment sectors.
Announcing the development on Saturday, the Chief Minister said that the EU’s 27 member states have revised the travel advisory for their citizens regarding Assam. As a result, the restrictive directives previously in force for travel to Assam have been lifted.
The Chief Minister noted that the decision came after a recent visit by EU diplomats to Assam. He added that this move clearly signals growing trust in Assam among European nations.
Earlier this month, a high-level EU delegation visited Assam on a two-day programme. The visit aimed to explore possibilities for enhancing cooperation in trade, industry, and sustainable development.
During the visit, a Memorandum of Understanding was also signed between the Assam Industrial Development Corporation Limited and the Federation of European Business in India.
Meanwhile, in a Facebook Live, CM Sarma said the EU’s decision is likely to increase the number of foreign tourists to Assam. Addressing entrepreneurs in the state, he said foreign tourists do not come looking only for five-star hotels; they also seek unique experiences of Assam’s culture, traditions, cuisine, and rural life.
He urged people to set up more homestays to create new opportunities for international tourists.
The Chief Minister further said the state government is continuing efforts to persuade the United States and Canada to revise their travel advisories for Assam as well.
However, he clarified that due to security reasons, some travel restrictions will remain in force for Charaideo, Sivasagar, and Dibrugarh districts, where the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) is still in effect.
