TOAA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 1

VOL 1 | ISSUE 01 JULY 2023 TEA BREAK SIP, SAVOR AND SOAK IN ASSAM'S TRAVEL DELIGHTS TOAA IN-HOUSE NEWSLETTER WWW.TOAA.IN

Assam - The Destination 03 Grandeur - The Eri Silk 05 Culinary - Tenga Anja 06 Tourism News 07 TOAA in NEWS 09 Pictorial - Glimpses of Assam 12 Upcoming TOAA Events 19 TOAA - Pictorial montage 20 PC : Debajit Kr Borah

THE TEAM 1 EDITORIAL BOARD Editorial Ranjeet Das Arijit Purkayastha Tolatol Ghar, Sivasagar | PC : Ranjeet Das PC : Ranjeet Das Shreya Barbara Dear Reader, Sidheswar Mishra Udit Bhanu Borthakur It is our pleasure to welcome you to our first in-house Newsletter “Tea Break”; Sip, Savor and Soak in Assam's Travel Delights. The Newsletter which E-mail : we envisage publishing quarterly will be filled with upcoming events, [email protected] insights, travel data and industry-defining curated contents for tours, activities and attractions in Assam and North East India. TOAA COMMITTEE Tour Operators Association of Assam (TOAA) has been a strong pillar for the President : Debajit Kr Borah travel fraternity in Assam and as we soon step into the 14th year since our Advisor : Ranjeet Das inception, TOAA with its more than 100 members have successfully found Vice President solutions for the travel fraternity’s problems coming its ways. TOAA has taken great strides to shed spotlight on Assam’s true tourism potential and Mukul Medhi extended support to foster co –operation among the stakeholders. As we Rajkumar Das celebrate TOAA’s milestones our shared challenge is to realize even more of Dipak Sharma tourism’s great potential in the region. Here we must not forget the selfless Gen Secretary : Kundal Roy efforts which were put together by the past Presidents and the Executive Joint Secretary : Committee Members and the pioneers of our industry to make this Pranjal Bora possible. The membership also played an important role in making this Susmita Hazarika possible by their faith in the leaders they have appointed since the Treasurer : Nipan Sharma inception of this organization. EC Committee Mahanta Kalita TOAA may have gone through lots of ups and downs, difference of opinions, Naushad Hussain troubled times, but members overcame them. This was possible because of Tapuban Saikia the unity in diversity which the members share with each other.The future Nirmalya Choudhury will be brighter. TOAA is now stronger than ever before, and ready to push Bhaskar Lekharu the limits. Sidheswar Mishra Nabajit Talukdar We hope that you will find our newsletters valuable and please do not Anand Das hesitate to share them with your friends, partners and colleagues whom you think would be interested. We sincerely trust that you will have much E-mail : pleasure reading this first edition as we enjoyed compiling this for you and [email protected] we shall continue our endeavor to keep improving our future issues with Website : www.toaa.in your feedback, contributions and suggestions. Facebook : toaaofficial Instagram : toaaofficial Happy Reading! Twitter : toaaofficial With warm regards, Cover Photo : Debajit Kr Borah Editorial Team JULY 2023 |VOL 1 | ISSUE 1 #TEA BREAK

2 Message I am happy to know that the Tour Operators Association of Assam (TOAA) has come up with this idea of \"Tea Break\" Inhouse Newsletter. I am confident that this Newsletter will be able to provide, from time to time, insightful news, information and data on the developing and growing travel industry of the state to the visitors, tourists, travel partners and general public. I congratulate TOAA for this noble initiative and believe that the Tea Break Inhouse Newsletter will play an important role in the development & promotion of Assam Tourism in the future. JULY 2023 |VOL 1 | ISSUE 1 #TEA BREAK

3 Destination Assam Beckons Sidheswar Mishra A dream destination for travellers willing to experience the rich culture, Assam has all the spectrum to woo tourists - it is a hidden gem in the travel arena. Assam plays a vital role in facilating tourism activities through well connected Railways, Airways and recently the waterways. The mystic wildlife, mesmerizing valley and free-flowing rivers, spirituality to historic monuments, cultural activity to adventurous activities Assam is traveler’s paradise. The natural beauty of waterfalls to green fields on the foothills will spellbound anyone visiting Assam. Kaziranga National Park and other six National Parks along with several Wildlife Sanctuaries can mesmerize one. Visiting temples and other historical places of worship which are spread all over the state can provide a rich experience. The word tantamount with Assam is 'culture' and Majuli island, the world's largest inhabited riverine island is the seat of Vaishnavite culture and monasteries (Satras) of Srimanta Shankardev. A visit to the island is a treat to all cultural connoisseurs. Visiting the historic monuments in the state of Assam is also an art to be seen & explored. \"Talatal Ghar\", Kareng Ghar, Sri Surya Pahar, Bir Lachit Moidam, Charaideo maidam and many other moidam spread across Charaideo district in Assam are worth visiting. These moidams, also proposed for World Heritage Site, have similarities with the pyramids of Egypt. PC : Arijit Purkayastha Safari at Kaziranga | PC : Arijit Purkayastha Charaideo Maidam, near Sivasagar PC : Sidheswar Mishra JULY 2023 |VOL 1 | ISSUE 1 #TEA BREAK

4 Historic \"Dhekiakhowa Bor Namghar\" Bihu ! | PC : Ranjeet Das was established by Sri Sri Madhab Dev, a true disciple of Srimanta Sankardev. One can witness the earthen lamp glowing for over 500 years and this has been duly recognized by Guinness Book of World Records. Assam celebrates the Bihu festival as a state festival. Bihu is the celebration of different rituals at different times. There are three different kinds of Bihu, the first being the Rongali Bihu ushering Weaving fairy tales ! | PC : Sidheswar Mishra the New Year, the second being the Kati Bihu and the third is the Magh Bihu which is celebrated after the harvest. All the three Bihu have different customs related to the farming calendar. Assam tea & Assam silk have created a niche among the world population for its refreshing taste and golden yarn respectively. The Assam Tea industry has entered into its 200th year (1823-2023) as nearly 200 years ago, Robert Bruce while wandering in the Upper Brahmaputra Valley came across wild bushes that changed the lives of millions. Nothengpi Karbi Heritage Museum Assam silk is a highly adorned cultural PC : Shreya Barbara attire that can be seen weaved during visits to Sualkuchi (approx 30 kms from Guwahati) and often regarded as Manchester of the east due to the sounds of the weaves in almost every household making intricately designed silk attires. Visiting Assam will make you mesmerized and fill you with a great lease of life. Come and let yourselves explore the beauty of Assam. Truly, Assam is a traveler’s paradise ! JULY 2023 |VOL 1 | ISSUE 1 #TEA BREAK

5 Textile Tourism AHIMSA SILK Arijit Purkayastha Since long, Assam has been renowned for three varieties of silk, commonly known as Assam silk: muga, paat and eri. The silk industry has been the pride of the State ever since the time of Ahom rule (1228- 1826) when muga, especially, became a part of Assamese life. Muga silk was then reserved for the elites, while eri silk clothed the common man. Today, as designers are appreciating the lightness of eri silk, how it keeps the body cool during summer and warm in winter, one reaslise why eri is fast becoming a fabric for hatue couture. In Assam, eri forms a small-scale cottage industry where you witness the A-Z of eri silk weaving. You can visit a number of Eri shawl households –where hospitable villagers PC : Debajit Kr Borah do not let you leave without a cup of tea & pitha while learning how eri caterpillars eat castor plants, how after 30-32 days, the silkworm leaves to spin cocoon, how moths leave cocoons, how they are then harvested to be spun, and finally, how the yarns are dyed with tea leaves, onion peel, lac, natural iron and Assam indigo. You then understand why eri called “the fabric of peace”or Ahimsa silk and why it is loved by Buddhists and vegans. Eri Silkworm | PC : Arijit Purkayastha #TEA BREAK JULY 2023 |VOL 1 | ISSUE 1

6 Culinary TENGA ANJA ! Shreya Barbara Tenga aanja ! If you are an Assamese, you know what it means to you! And you will make sure to make your acquaintances love it too!! The King of Assamese cuisine ! To put it simply, tenga aanja is a Masor tenga & bilahi | PC : Shreya Barbara tangy dish prepared with citrus vegetables or herbs along with fish (masor tenga) or lentil fritters (boror tenga). Almost a 'no spices' dish, the pungent tangy taste is a must try! Tenga anja is very refreshing in summers and is the Assamese way to beat the heat !. Enjoy it with rice and green chillies, garnished with coriander leaves. Bogori | PC : Arijit Purkayastha What makes is lip smacking ... The ingredient used to give the JULY 2023 |VOL 1 | ISSUE 1 essential flavour is any one of the following, each swirling in its own aroma and taste. Bilahi (tomato) Thekera (Garcinia pedunculata) Kordoi (Starfruit) Bogori (Jujube) Ou Tenga (Elephant Apple) Nemu (lemon) Kesa aam (raw mango) #TEA BREAK

TOURISM NEWS | 7 The Union Minister of of ports, shipping & waterways and Ayush, Hon’ble Sarbananda Sonowal laid the foundation stone for the Inland Waterways Transport (IWT) terminal in Bogibeel in Dibrugarh. The terminal to be developed along the banks of the River Brahmaputra will boost the waterways tourism and play a crucial role in rejuvenating inland waterways transportation in the region. The terminal will be operated and managed by the nodal agency for inland waterways of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI). The tourist- cum-cargo IWT terminal project is scheduled to be completed by February 2024. PC : Dhiraj Bikash Gogoi Shri Ranuj Kumar Borkotoky, ACS has joined as the || The Assam Government recently Director, Tourism, Government of Assam. Prior to approved granting an industrial taking charge as Director, he was the Additional status to tourism sector in the Secretary to the Government of Assam, Sports and State. The tourism sector is eligible Youth Welfare Department. for incentives available under State Industrial Policy. This step has opened doors for major boost to tourism in Assam. || In an historic milestone, Assam recorded over one Karbi Anglong | PC : Shreya Barbara crore domestic tourist flow in 2022-23. The exotic beauty of Assam has lured visitors to the State. Assam witnessed visitor footfall of 17 lakh during 2021-22, and 13.5 lakh during 2020-21, according State government data. The Assam Chief Minister, Hon’ble Himanta Biswa Sarma, pointed out that the staggering growth is 575 %. The surge of tourist movement will benefit not merely the State, but also the entire North East region as Assam is the Gateway of the North East. JULY 2023 | VOL 1 | ISSUE 1 #TEA BREAK

8 EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES AND ADVENTURE TRAVEL OPERATORS AND GUIDES THROUGH COMPREHENSIVE FIRST AID TRAINING saving lives and reducing the impact of injuries. Led by experienced instructors who are certified in emergency medical response, the course will provide a mix of theoretical knowledge and practical hands-on training. Participants will have the opportunity to practice their skills using advanced training equipment and realistic simulation scenarios, ensuring they are well-prepared for real-life emergencies. The First Aid Responder Course will commence on 23rd to 25th July, 2023 at Bogamati, Baksa, Assam. Interested individuals can contact Naushad Hussain (9435108482) for further details. Limited spots are available, so early registration is encouraged. First Aid Responder Course Equips Panimur Falls, Dima Hasao | PC : Arijit Purkayastha Individuals with Life-Saving Skills. In an effort to enhance community safety and empower individuals with life-saving skills, the Rafting and Adventure Water Sports Association of Assam with support from the Indian Red Cross Society and Ministry of Tourism, Guwahati, India is launching a comprehensive First Aid Responder Course. This initiative aims to equip participants with the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively during emergencies and potentially JULY 2023 | VOL 1 | ISSUE 1 #TEA BREAK

TOAA in NEWS | 9 13TH TOAA AGM TOAA organised its 13th Annual we at TOAA, felt that it will be most appropriate to celebrate the industry academia partnership General Convention on 17th June, in Assam and prepare the students on the needs and demands of the tourism industry today 2023 at Mayfair Spring Valley and tomorrow. Resort, Sonapur under the theme The convention was attended by members from the tourism fraternity and fellow tour operators “BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN from the State of Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur and Mizoram, Officials from the TOURISM ACADEMIA AND Regional Office of India Tourism, faculty members and students from the academia, hoteliers, TOURISM PRACTITIONERS”. The service providers, and the print and electronic media. theme was inspired by one of the priority themes identified in the G20 by the Indian Presidency for the tourism working group meeting which was Empowering youth with skills for jobs and entrepreneurship in the tourism sector. So with so much of importance given on tourism skills and entrepreneurship, On the invitation of Smt. Madhumita Bhagawati, DC, Karbi Anglong, TOAA members went on a FAM trip to Karbi Anglong. Members also met Shri Tuliram Ronghang, CEM, Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council in Diphu, Karbi Anglong. TOAA Secretary conveyed the important role Assam's tour operators can initiate in promoting the beautiful Karbi Anglong region. $500.000 FMITC, KOLKATA FAM TRIP - KARBI ANGLONG A delegation of 18FTaOirvA$ieA6w0me0mM. 0beed0rias0 WORLD$T4O0U0R.0IS0M0 DAY participated in 2022 International Tourism Conclave TOAA President receives certificate of (FMITC), a B2B Conclave organized appreciation from actor Zeenat Aman, on behalf of TOAA at Town Hall Diphu by Fairview Media Pvt. Ltd., in on the occasion of World Tourism Day celebration organized by Department of Kolkata. About 100 domestic tour Tourism , Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council. Also present was Shri Ritesh operators participated in the Enghi, Executive Member, KAAC. Conclave, providing a fruitful platform for business interactions. Photo : TOAA members with Shri Ujwal Biswas, Minsiter Science & technology, Govt of West Bengal JULY 2023 | VOL 1 | ISSUE 1 B2B EXCHANGE PROGRAM, BANGLADESH On an invitation of Assistant High Commission Bangladesh and Bangladesh Tourism Board a delegation of 12 TOAA members participated in Mujib's Bangladesh Tourism Promotion and India Bangladesh B2B Exchange program held at Dhaka Bangladesh. TOAA is grateful to Hon’ble Assistant High Commission Bangladesh Mr Rahul Amin and Mr Mohibul Islam Assistant Director Bangladesh Tourism Board for the opportunity to be a part of this delegation. This event will further strengthen the relationship and help us in rebuilding Tourism between the two region in the future. #TEA BREAK

10 TOAA AWARDS Sonapur College TOAA in the past few years has been continuously trying to recognize contributioPnCs: of individuals and organizations in the various segments of travel, tourism, conservation and hospitality and thanked them for shining through. In the recently held 13th Annual Convention this year TOAA extended an award of appreciation to the Department of Travel & Tourism Management (B.Voc), Sonapur College for their Community Development and Community Based Tourism initiatives and recognising their serious commitment to sustainability principles with evident benefits to community members. The other recipients were Hemanta Doley and Shanti Doley, the promoters of Brahmaputra Cruises Pvt Ltd who were awarded for providing an enhanced and curated experience in Alfresco Grand for travellers at Guwahati and providing tourists with pleasant evenings while enjoying the scenic beauty of the Brahmaputra river. We salute their endevour and consider the cruise as the best thing happening in Guwahati and most recommended. Alfresco Grand #TEA BREAK JULY 2023 | VOL 1 | ISSUE 1

11 TOAA #TFCL Winning Team Season VI - TITANS Owners : Northeast Voyagers & Travellers 365 In the spirit of the IPL, TOAA has been organizing its very own Travel Fraternity Cricket League (TFCL) as an annual cricket event amongst the travel fraternity. The main motive of TOAA through the TFCL was aimed at inculcating within the travel tfhraroteurgnhityththeegvairmtueesofofctreicakmePt.CspT:ihriet, sportsmanship, perseverance and respect for fellow men preparation for the TFCL, 2023 (Season VI) began in the month of November, 2022 when we invited bids from prospective team owners from the travel fraternity for awarding 06 teams to enroll and participate in the league. A total of 78 players, i.e., 13 players in each team who had registered were available to the selected team owners for the player’s auction in December, 2022 which was based on virtual points. The Teams formed through the bidding went through six weeks of vigorous practice sessions which culminated into actual cricket for TFCL Season Vl in Feb’23. We witnessed some high voltage games which were played with the right team spirit and sportsmanship. The announcement for the Season Vll will be made in the month of October, 2023 which will be followed by the team bidding and the player’s auction. We envisage holding the tournament in the month of February, 2024. As the travel fraternity’s biggest cricket league in Assam, it has been receiving special recognition among members in the travel trade. We are looking forward to some great matches in the coming season and celebrate a wonderful tournament which brings our community together. JULY 2023 | VOL 1 | ISSUE 1 #TEA BREAK

12 GLIMPSES OF Ghanashyam House, Sivasagar PC : Arijit Purkayastha ASSAM Pictorial Ahom Tales, Tea, Golf & Cruise ! Region : Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Charaideo, Sivasagar, Jorhat, Majuli , Golaghat, Lakhimpur Millenium Park, Jorhat PC : Sidheswar Mishra PC : Ranjeet Das Tea Gardens PC : Debajit Kr Borah Mati-Akhora is a preparatory stage for making the body flexible for other dance forms with yogic postures that are particularly matched with dances, usually performed by kids. Mati- Akhora practised in Sattras (Holy Shrines) is known as Karan in Bharat's Natyashastra. It is the beginner's stage of Sattriya dance. JULY 2023 | VOL 1 | ISSUE 1 #TEA BREAK

13 Kaziranga | PC : Shreya Barbara Hoolock Gibbon | PC : Sidheswar Mishra Pictorial Ahom Tales, Tea, Golf & Cruise ! Region : Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Charaideo, Sivasagar, Jorhat, Majuli , Golaghat, Lakhimpur JULY 2023 | VOL 1 | ISSUE 1 Rang Ghar | PC : Arijit Purkayastha #TEA BREAK

14 Karbi village Songbung Presbyterian Church, Haflong PC : Arijit Purkayastha PC : Kundal Roy Pictorial Wilderness, Adventure & Natural magnificence ! Region : Sonitpur, Nagaon, Morigaon, Darrang Re, Karbi Anglong, Hojai, Dima Hasao, Cachar, Hailakandi, Karimganj Jia Bharali river, Nameri #TEA BREAK PC : Debajit Kr Borah JULY 2023 | VOL 1 | ISSUE 1

15 Da Parbatia, Tezpur | PC : Udit B Borthakur Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary | PC : Shreya Barbara Pictorial Wilderness, Adventure & Natural magnificence ! Region : Sonitpur, Nagaon, Morigaon, Darrang Re, Karbi Anglong, Hojai, Dima Hasao, Cachar, Hailakandi, Karimganj Assamese Jewellry, Ranthali Silveta waterfalls, Karbi Anglong PC : Arijit Purkayastha PC : Arijit Purkayastha JULY 2023 | VOL 1 | ISSUE 1 #TEA BREAK

16 Pictorial Community Fishing, Goalpara Dist. | PC : Shreya Barbara Historical trails, Wilderness, Adventure & Natural magnificence ! Sri Surya Pahar | PC : Arijit Purkayastha Region : Kamrup, Nalbari, Barpeta, Goalpara, Bongaigaon, Dhubri, Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa, Udalguri Bathou Puja, Bodo Community , Udalguri Bell metal of Sarthebari PC : Arijit Purkayastha PC : Shreya Barbara JULY 2023 | VOL 1 | ISSUE 1 #TEA BREAK

17 Sualkuchi PC : Sidheswar Mishra Weaving fairy tales | PC : Arijit Purkayastha PC : Udit B Borthakur Pictorial Historical trails, Wilderness, Adventure & Natural magnificence ! Region : Kamrup, Nalbari, Barpeta, Goalpara, Bongaigaon, Dhubri, Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa, Udalguri JULY 2023 | VOL 1 | ISSUE 1 Urvashi Island, Guwahati PC : Arijit Purkayastha #TEA BREAK

18 Pictorial Asiatic Wild Water Buffalo, Pobitora WLS PC : Arijit Purkayastha Colliery, Ledo in Upper Assam | PC : Ranjeet Das Mask making demonstration, Majuli PC : Udit B Borthakur Nimati Ghat, Jorhat | PC : Sidheswar Mishra PC : Arijit Purkayastha JULY 2023 | VOL 1 | ISSUE 1 #TEA BREAK

19 TOAA up next | TTF, KOLKATA TOAA members delegation will be FMITC, GOA participating at TTF, Kolkata, leading travel and trade show in the country. Fairview Media Pvt Ltd has welcomed TOAA memebrs to its New tourism products and routes will be tourism conclave to be held in Goa on 17th & 18th August 2023. highlighted to the visitors. We welcome our friends in Goa to visit TOAA Stand and get acquainted with the tourism products and understand the$r4eg0io0n.0. 00 Date : 14 - 15 - 16 July, 2023 Venue : Venue: Hotel Alila Diwa Venue: Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan. Photo : TOAA delegates along with other Stakeholders at FMITC, We welcome our friends in Kolkata to Kolkata held recently visit TOAA Stand. FOUNDATION DAY 08 AUG TOAA Foundation Day will be celebrated on 08th August, 2023. This is an occasion for us to reflect and introspect. Let us pledge to make our destinations easily accessible through authentic information and rich experiences and think in the lines of BEST LOCAL EXPERIENCES a$re6O0aNn0.i0nd0u0sGtryLOfuBllAoLf STANDARDS. We passionate, committed and enthusiastic entrepreneurs that wear the title of tour operator with pride. Let us redouble our efforts to fulfill the vision of TOAA becoming an Institute of repute. Photo : 13th Foundation Day, 2022 Mustard Field PC : Shreya Barbara WORLD TOURISM DAY || 2023 Programs to be announced soon !! TOAA has exciting events lined up for World Tourism Day, 2023. With a thematic focus on \"Tourism and Green Investment,\" our goal is to showcase Assam's untapped tourism potential through its unique circuits with a focus on \"Tourism and Green Investment”. Experience the incredible tourism offerings of Assam and explore its exclusive attractions between your Assam Chai Breaks JULY 2023 | VOL 1 | ISSUE 1 #TEA BREAK

20 OUR JOURNEY TOAA through our lenses A pictorial montage since 2009 ! JULY 2023 | VOL 1 | ISSUE 1 #TEA BREAK

21 TOAA through our lenses JULY 2023 | VOL 1 | ISSUE 1 #TEA BREAK

22 TEA BREAK #AWESOMEASSAM TOAA, the Tour Operators Association of Assam, represents over 100 eminent inbound tour operators and serves as the apex body, acting as a catalyst to bring in speedy development of tourism in the State. By opting for travel arrangements with registered local tour operators, you can ensure that you fully appreciate the finer aspects of your journey. Enjoy a delightful travel experience with refreshing tea breaks along the way making your journey as interesting as the destination. UP NEXT >>> Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher, We will bring a hidden gem of Assam to our readers ! Garbhanga Reserve Forest This will be followed by another Assamese delicacy for the PC : Arijit Purkayastha taste buds, a unique handicraft from our artisans, photographs to mesmerize you and lots more ! Feature Article : Flowing with the rhythm of the mighty Brahmaputra; by Udit B Borthakur We welcome articles and exclusive photographs from our readers. Write to : [email protected] Dhekiakhowa Bornaamghar Theopani waterfalls, Garbhanga PC : Sidheswar Mishra PC : Shreya Barbara Vocal for local : You can access contact information of TOAA members operating tours in awesome Assam and incredible North East by visiting www.toaa.in. JULY 2023 | VOL 1 | ISSUE 1 #TEA BREAK