International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Technology (IJARET) Volume 12, Issue 2, February 2021, pp. 237-242 Article ID: IJARET_12_02_022 Available online at http://iaeme.com/Home/issue/IJARET?Volume=12&Issue=2 ISSN Print: 0976-6480 and ISSN Online: 0976-6499 DOI: 10.34218/IJARET.12.2.2020.022 © IAEME Publication Scopus Indexed TOURISM IN BODOLAND TERRITORIAL REGION Aminuz Zaman, Priyo Basumatary and Neha Jain Research Scholar, Department of Commerce, Gauhati University, India ABSTRACT The present study is conducted with the objective of enlightening the scenario of event tourism and other forms of tourism which exist in BTR (Bodoland Territorial Region). Also the study focused on the status of tourism during the period of COVID19 pandemic in BTR. It has been observed that during pandemic the rural areas were the main which had attracted the tourist and kept the momentum. Among other forms of tourism, Event tourism played important role to boost the tourism sector in BTR through its new introduction of events such as Dwijing festival and Baukhungri festival. Despite of too many potential BTR is still lagging behind in tourism sector. Key words: Event Tourism, BTR, COVID19, Dwijing festival, Baukhungri festival Cite this Article: Aminuz Zaman, Priyo Basumatary and Neha Jain, Tourism in Bodoland Territorial Region, International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Technology (IJARET), 12(2), 2021, pp. 237-242. http://iaeme.com/Home/issue/IJARET?Volume=12&Issue=2 1. INTRODUCTION Tourism can be defined as a tour by a person to spend leisure time with family or oneself for refreshment or fun. Refreshment is important for mental peace as it helps a person to take a break from his daily hectic life. There are many choices available for a person to spend leisure time, tourism is one of them. Tourism can be of various forms such as Religious tourism, Cultural tourism, Nature tourism, Wildlife tourism, Adventure tourism, Event tourism, etc. Each form of tourism adds value to the economy of the country. It is one of the components which appear in the current account of balance of payment under heading invisibles and sub- heading services which includes travel, transportation, insurance, etc. Tourism earns foreign exchange and other positive footfall of tourist activities surplus the country’s current account which further support positive balance of payments. Hence, tourism plays important role for the growth of the economy. Tourism can also be considered as one of the factors to elevate the economy of North east India. From the past it has been seen, the North-east region is lacking behind against its peer states of the country in the sector like Industry, Commerce, Tourism and Business. On the other hand, the southern states are going beyond in all the sectors due to its coastal areas and efficient http://iaeme.com/Home/journal/IJARET 237 [email protected] Tourism in Bodoland Territorial Region transport system as compared to North East Region. Though, North-east lacks Industrialization but have a lot of potential in Tourism Industry. The potential of tourism growth has not reached its capabilities to attract tourists due to various constraints such as its long dealing with insurgency, lack of Infrastructure, lack of skilled human resources, etc. These has risen fear among the potential or possible tourist within the country or from outside the country. Each of the state of North East India has their own share of potential and opportunities to attract tourists but the growth of tourist foot fall is scatter among different states. North East is a potential tourist destination of India which isn’t explored much. North East is situated in a location with Siliguri corridor in its west and hills of Myanmar in the east whereas Bhutan and China in north and Bangladesh in the south. Meghalaya state of the north east region is the only state which is successfully in attracting tourists from all over India and world because of its geographical location and hilly terrain; many unique places are in the state like the highest rainfall receiving Mawsynram and many other destinations. The other states are not as much successful as Meghalaya in tourism sector unlike their potential too. Whereas other states have their own share and scope of tourist sites but are not reachable due to its primitive location and underdeveloped infrastructure. The state of Assam has also a lot of potential of drawing tourist but isn’t as successful as Meghalaya. But there are certain regions in Assam which are successful in drawing attention of tourist through “Event Tourism” from different parts of the nation as well as from other countries. During the period of pandemic COVID19 all the economic and non economic sectors were affected along with the tourism sector has suffered due to restrictions on social activities to maintain social distance and to COVID19 guidelines. The people were locked at their home and were looking for refreshment options which were very few. At that time the people live in both urban and rural areas started to search places to visit and spend their time rather staying at home idle. Even though there was a lots of restrictions by the Government but the citizen started to explore the nature tourism available in the rural areas where the population density as well as Government restrictions were limited. The Urban areas were mostly affected and infected by COVID19 in comparison rural areas. 2. REVIEW OF LITERATURE (Getz, 2008) discussed in his paper the nature, evolution and future development of ‘Event Tourism’, both in theoretical and professional practice. This paper emphasized on research paper and publication trends, and also on critical evaluation of knowledge creation, theory building, and future destinations. The perspective taken is primarily that of destinations and the tourism industry. (Jayswal, 2008) through her paper enlighten the new horizons of tourism by concept of events tourism. The paper mainly concentrated on benefits of hosting events. Three benefits are highlighted which are first - Whether Events tourism are useful to attract tourists whether a first time visitor or a repeater second - How an event and destination are co-brands and thirdly to show positive effects of events a destination. 3. OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY The objectives of the present study are as follows: • To enlighten the scenario of Event Tourism in BTR. • To study the status of Tourism in BTR during the period of COVID19 pandemic. http://iaeme.com/Home/journal/IJARET 238 [email protected] Aminuz Zaman, Priyo Basumatary and Neha Jain 4. RESEARCH METHODS The study is descriptive in nature and intends to enlighten the scenario of Event tourism in BTR and also to know the status of Tourism during the period of COVID19 pandemic. The researcher has used convenience sampling method and personal observations to arrive at a conclusive finding. 5. ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION 5.1. Scenario of Tourism in BTR (Bodoland Territorial Region) There are many tourist places in BTR. But all the places have not been successful in drawing tourists. Among all the tourist destinations in BTR, only Manas National Park is so attractive to the tourists. The following are the existing tourist hotspots in the BTR - 1. Manas National Park: Manas National park is one of the most important tourist site which is situated in Baksa district of BTR and is home to many diversified flora and fauna which includes 543 species of plants, 60 species of mammals, 476 birds, 42 reptiles, 7 Amphibians, 54 fishes and above 100 species of insects. 2. Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary: Chakrasila Wildlife Sanctuary is home to Golden Langur, which BTC considers to be the councils state animal. Along with Golden Langur some other animals like leopards, Himalayan Giant Squirrels, Chinese Pangolins, Jungle Cat, Burmese Rock Python are inhabitant of this sanctuary. 3. Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary: Near Manas national park there is a wildlife sanctuary called Bornadi wildlife sanctuary. It is home to hornbills, peafowl, Indian bison, Tiger, leopard, Capped- Langur, Sambar, Barking Deer, Hog Deer, Pigmy Hog, Hispid Hare, Slow Loris, Dhole and Peacock, and Elephants migrating in it. 4. Kalamati: Kalamati is a place in the west of Manas national park, where salty minerals rich black soil can be found which attracts Elephants, Gaurs and Sambar. In black stone or Kalamati, wild Dog and Hispid Hare are spotted. In every year a festival on the sands of the river bank of Kalamati is conducted named after the place. 5. Ultapani: Reverse water or Ultapani is a place which is often talked about its Butterflies, Pied Hornbills, Wild Orchids, Asian Elephants, Golden Langur, Capped Langur, Tiger, Clouded Leopard, Leopard, Golden Cat, Fishing Cat and Sambar. 6. Kachugaon Reserve Forest: Kachugaon Reserve Forest is famous for its timber treasure Sal trees and in the year 2020 it has been upgraded from a reserve forest to a national park. It offers sighting to Asian Elephants, Golden Langur, Spotted Deer, Wild Dog, Yellow Throated Marten and Peafowl. 7. Bhairabkunda, Bogamati and chowki:These places are surrounded by forest and this beauty attracts the tourist for picnic during the winter season, New Year, Christmas and any other celebrations. 8. Deeplaibeel: Deeplaibeel is a wet land, situated south to the Kokrajhar town. It is the homeland to a large number of birds both migratory and local, and also different species of amphibians are observed here. 5.2. Event Tourism in Bodoland Territorial Region Event tourism can be defined as an event organized to draw the attention of potential tourist intending to attend the event. The word ‘Event’ here means an occasion or things which are happening around. There can be many events organized in the world but an event which draws a large number of people to it and generates revenue is called Event Tourism.