Silchar: Umrangso is looking to expand its tourism footprint while protecting its fragile ecology, with Assam tourism minister Ajanta Neog calling for better promotion of the hill town’s scenic attractions and stronger infrastructure in Dima Hasao.Umrangso hosted the state-level World Tourism Day celebration for the first time on Sunday. Neog said tourism development could create jobs for local youth and livelihood opportunities in hotels, restaurants, transport, handicrafts and other tourism-linked sectors.Surrounded by forested hills and water bodies, Umrangso has emerged as one of Dima Hasao’s key tourism destinations. Officials said holding the programme there was intended to highlight the hill district’s tourism potential.At a discussion at the Umrangso golf course, speakers stressed the need to develop tourism without compromising the region’s fragile ecology. They identified environmental conservation, cleanliness and responsible tourism as essential to preserving the destination for future generations.The programme also examined technology’s growing role in tourism. Two sessions — “Rebuilding Tourism through the Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence” and “Hill Tourism in Assam: The Path Ahead” — discussed using digital tools and AI to promote destinations and develop hill tourism in the state.Officials and tourism stakeholders said better promotion of Umrangso and other destinations in Dima Hasao could strengthen the local economy by attracting more visitors and creating opportunities in hospitality, transport, handicrafts and cultural activities.The celebrations included a cleanliness drive, tree plantation programme and marathon, and concluded with a cultural programme showcasing the region’s heritage.
