About Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) Ltd.

The **Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) Ltd.** was established on **June 9, 1988**, by the Government of Assam. Headquartered at Paryatan Bhawan, Paltan Bazaar, Guwahati, it operates as a state-owned corporation under the purview of the Assam Tourism Department.

ATDC is the key implementing agency for the state's tourism policies and initiatives. Its core mission revolves around the promotion and sustainable development of tourism, leveraging Assam's rich natural beauty, diverse culture, wildlife, and spiritual heritage.

Official Slogan: "Awesome Assam."

Key Aims and Objectives of ATDC

As per its Memorandum & Articles of Association, ATDC's main objectives include:

• **Tourism Promotion & Development:** To spearhead and facilitate the overall growth of the tourism sector in Assam.
• **Infrastructure Management:** To acquire, develop, manage, and maintain tourist lodges, hotels, restaurants, guest houses, entertainment projects, and other tourism-related infrastructure.
• **Transportation Services:** To acquire, operate, and maintain various modes of transport (cars, buses, coaches, launches, ropeways) for tourist communication.
• **Tourist Services:** To provide entertainment to tourists, organize cultural shows, fairs, festivals, and other tourism-related activities.
• **Site Development:** To develop and manage places of tourist interest, parks, lakes, avenues, beaches, and recreational spots.
• **Private Participation:** To encourage and facilitate private investment and participation in tourism development projects.
• **Branding & Marketing:** To brand and market Assam as a premier tourist destination nationally and internationally.

Functions and Initiatives of ATDC

ATDC undertakes a wide array of functions and has launched several initiatives to boost tourism in Assam:

1. Infrastructure Development:

• Development of Tourist Circuits and Complexes.
• Construction and Upgradation of Tourist Lodges, Yatriniwas, and Tourist Reception Centres (e.g., "Prashaanti" brand properties).
• Development of Pilgrim Centres.
• Working on projects like star hotels, resorts, convention centers, floating hotels/restaurants on the Brahmaputra.
• **Private Participation:** Many of its properties and projects are run in association with private partners, including luxury cruise vessels, amusement parks, and ropeway projects.

2. Policy Implementation & Schemes:

• Assam Tourism Policy: ATDC plays a crucial role in implementing the state's tourism policies, which aim for sustainable, integrated, and inclusive tourism development.
• Amar Alohi Rural Home-Stay Scheme: This flagship scheme empowers local communities by promoting homestay facilities. ATDC distributes sanction letters, provides capital subsidies (up to 90% of project cost for new units, up to ₹1 crore), promotional subsidies (50% of cost), and operational subsidies (up to ₹2.5 lakh/year for 5 years on achieving room night targets). It also provides publicity and marketing support.
• Promotion and Development of Tea Tourism Infrastructure in Assam: ATDC monitors and implements this scheme, which provides financial assistance (50% government share, up to ₹2 crore) for renovating heritage bungalows, guesthouses, developing amenities (swimming pools, spas, angling, boating), golf courses, and involving local youth in tea tourism activities.
• **Single Window Clearance System for Film Shooting:** To promote film tourism.

3. Operations and Management:

• Directly operates a number of tourist lodges and facilities across the state.
• Leases out many properties and units to private parties for operation and management (e.g., parks, restaurants, specific tourist lodges).
• Red River Tours & Travels: This is ATDC's travel wing, offering customized and conducted tours (e.g., Kaziranga tours, city tours, pilgrimage tours).

4. Marketing and Branding:

• The "Awesome Assam" campaign has been a major success in promoting the state.
• Participates in national and international travel marts and exhibitions.
• Develops promotional materials, digital campaigns, and engages with travel media.

5. Regulatory and Advisory Role:

• As a part of the Tourism Department, ATDC contributes to the regulatory framework of the tourism industry in Assam, ensuring quality, safety, and security for tourists.
• Engages in feasibility studies (e.g., for medical tourism) and advises on potential areas for investment.

ATDC Properties and Tourist Facilities

ATDC, directly or through leased agreements, manages a significant number of properties and facilities across Assam, including:

• Tourist Lodges & Resorts: Such as Aranya Tourist Lodge (Kaziranga), Prashaanti Cottages, Jupurighar camping site, and various others in locations like Barpeta, Bhalukpong, Digboi, Golaghat, Guwahati, Kamakhya, Majuli, Nalbari, Pobitora, Silchar, Sivasagar, Tezpur, Tinsukia.
• Wayside Amenities & Restaurants: Located along major routes to serve tourists.
• Parks & Recreational Places: Including Kaliabhumora Recreational Park, Samaguri Lake Tourism Project.
• Ropeway Projects: For enhancing connectivity and scenic views (e.g., Kamakhya Ropeway).
• River Cruises: Operating luxury cruise vessels on the Brahmaputra River.
• Tourist Information Centres: Located at key entry points like Guwahati Airport, Guwahati Railway Station, and also in major cities outside Assam like Delhi and Kolkata to provide information and assistance to potential visitors.

Official Resources and Contact Information

For more detailed and up-to-date information, please refer to the official sources:

• Assam Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (ATDC) Official Website:** www.assamtourismonline.com
• Department of Tourism, Government of Assam: assamtourism.gov.in
• Contact Details (ATDC Headquarters):
  • Address: 4th Floor, Asom Paryatan Bhawan, A.K. Azad Road, Paltan Bazar, Guwahati 781008, Assam, India.
  • Phone: +91-361-2633654
  • Email: atdcltd@gmail.com / mdatdc@gmail.com
• Red River Tours & Travels (ATDC Unit):
  • Website: www.redrivertravels.com
  • Phone: (0361) 2738005 / 06, M: +91 7896060366, 7896035322, 7896060722
• **India Investment Grid (IIG):** Provides information on investment opportunities, including those with ATDC.
  • Portal: indiainvestmentgrid.gov.in (Search for ATDC)

ATDC continues to be a cornerstone of Assam's efforts to develop and showcase its vast tourism potential, inviting travelers to experience the "Awesome Assam."