Assam's Kaziranga National Park, renowned for its one-horned rhinoceroses and Bengal tigers, has extended its tourist season for the first time ever due to a surge in visitors, a trend that officials attribute to a recent visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This increase in tourism has significantly boosted the park's profile and revenue.
Prime Minister Modi's visit to Kaziranga in March 2023, during which he stayed overnight and praised the park's diverse flora and fauna, has had a notable impact. Modi's call for people to visit Kaziranga resonated widely, leading to a remarkable rise in tourist arrivals and bookings. Following his visit, the park saw a substantial increase in visitors, with over 3.2 lakh wildlife enthusiasts visiting and generating Rs 8.80 crore in revenue for the 2023-24 season, surpassing the previous year's figures of 3.1 lakh visitors and Rs 8.3 crore in revenue.
The influence of Modi's visit has been so profound that the park management decided to extend the tourist season, initially scheduled to end on May 16, to May 31. This decision marks the first time in Kaziranga's history that the closing dates have been extended, reflecting the heightened interest and increased footfall.
Local guides and tour operators have noted a significant uptick in bookings and inquiries, not only from domestic tourists but also from international visitors. Tourists are particularly keen to visit the spots where Modi toured and to get photographs at these "Modi locations," such as the tea garden he visited and the guest house where he stayed.
Assam's Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, and the state's Tourism Minister, Jayanta Malla Baruah, have both acknowledged the role of Modi's visit in boosting Kaziranga's tourism. Sarma highlighted how the visit elevated the park's tourism potential, while Baruah pointed out that the peace established under Sarma's leadership and improved connectivity in the state also contributed to the rise in tourist numbers.
The extension of the tourist season and the influx of visitors following Prime Minister Modi's visit underscore the significant impact high-profile endorsements can have on tourism destinations. Kaziranga National Park, already a top destination in the northeast, has seen its appeal and economic benefits amplified by this development.
