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Time of India

Assam Tourism, BigTree Entertainment sign MoU on holding international concerts

Guwahati: A memorandum of understanding was signed between Assam Tourism Development Corporation Limited and BigTree Entertainment Private Limited to facilitate the organisation of international concerts in the state. BigTree Entertainment Private Limited, widely known in the Indian entertainment industry as BookMyShow , has attained a prominent position through its consistent record of managing large-scale musical events across India. This agreement is intended to expand Assam's capacity to host concerts of international calibre. Speaking on the occasion, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma remarked that the agreement signifies the commencement of a new phase in Assam's cultural development. He expressed the belief that this collaboration could serve to establish Assam as a preferred destination for concertgoers worldwide and integrate the state more visibly into the international music circuit. The Chief Minister further observed that recent live concerts in India have catalysed a significant cultural movement, facilitated artistic expression and contributing to the transformation of urban centres into hubs of creativity. He cited the example of Meghalaya as a regional model in this area and noted that the natural setting of the North Eastern region has positioned it as a distinctive destination for musical experiences. He suggested that Assam, by combining its traditional cultural heritage with the dynamism of its young population and natural landscape, is well situated to develop a sustained live concert culture. He added that such efforts would also help enhance Assam's cultural profile on a larger canvas. Acknowledging Assam's longstanding cultural and spiritual traditions, Dr. Sarma highlighted the unique appeal of folk forms such as Bihu and Bagurumba. He stated that the merging of traditional and modern musical influences has created favourable conditions for the growth of a concert culture within the state. Pointing to Assam's scenic environment, historical sites, and verdant tea gardens, he said that these attributes collectively strengthen the state's potential not only as a venue for musical performances but also as a comprehensive tourism destination. He further emphasised the role of recent improvements in transport and hospitality infrastructure in facilitating greater connectivity with both domestic regions and neighbouring countries, thereby enhancing Assam's accessibility and appeal as a travel destination. The Chief Minister also highlighted Guwahati as having emerged as a strategic gateway to South-East Asia and stated that the state government is actively pursuing policies aimed at promoting concert tourism as a component of broader economic development. He further added that Guwahati has experienced notable expansion in the hospitality sector and air travel infrastructure. He said that the agreement would enable concerts not only in Guwahati but also in other major urban centres such as Dibrugarh, Jorhat, and Silchar. Drawing parallels with the national and international interest generated by sites such as Kamakhya, Batadrava, Kaziranga, and Manas, he expressed the hope that Assam's cultural tourism offerings would likewise attract sustained attention. He concluded by affirming that the development of concert tourism would contribute meaningfully to the strengthening of the state's economy.