Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today chaired a meeting of the Steering Committee for holding the Assam International Tourism Carnival in April 2012. The meeting was attended by ministers and officials of concerned departments and threadbare discussions were held on the preparations for holding the international carnival in a befitting manner.

The international tourism carnival to be held from April 8 to 10 next year would showcase the state's rich and diverse culture and tourism products and enhance Assam's image in the global tourism arena, an official release said. The Chief Minister emphasised that the carnival must be organised in a planned way as this was the first time the immense tourism potential of the state would be showcased on such a grand scale.

Gogoi said that it was possible to give Assam its rightful place on the world tourism map by showcasing its colourful dance forms, rich culture, history, art and crafts and biodiversity through effective promotion and marketing of the carnival.

The meeting decided that each district would have its own tableau projecting the rich and diverse cultures, a carnival parade, an art and crafts mela, horticulture and floriculture shows, an exhibition on photography projecting the different aspects of life of the people, food festival, travel and tour mart.

The meeting, was attended, among others, by Minister of Tourism Chandan Brahma, who is also the vice-chairman of the steering committee.

PTI