Indus Valley Times

By Dalim Phukan

 Guwahati/Assam, Sep 30 : In a major development positioning Northeast India on the global travel map, Skål International—the world’s premier professional network of travel and hospitality leaders—has formally announced the grand launch of its Guwahati Chapter.

The official installation event, scheduled for October 5, 2026, at Hotel Vivanta, Guwahati, marks a strategic milestone for the region’s tourism ecosystem as Assam cements its standing along the transnational **Asian Highway 1 (AH1)* corridor. The establishment of Skål International Guwahati brings a world-class platform to the region’s travel fraternity, unifying agency directors, hotel executives, and destination architects to foster cross-border trade, regional collaboration, and international connectivity.

The Visionary Leadership & Organizing Committee

The successful execution of this historic mission is driven by a distinguished core leadership and organizing committee. Under the able guidance of President Vishal Jain, Secretary Bishal Jain, and Treasurer Amit Agarwal, alongside dedicated organizers including Mahanta Kalita, Janesh Sakhuja, Sachin Jain, Anand Das, Dipak Sharma, Navojit Sarma, and Sudarshan Khaound, the team has played an instrumental role in bringing Skål International to the region. Serving as a central pillar in coordinating this landmark gathering, event organizer Dipankar Bharali has been crucial in aligning regional travel trade stakeholders with global platforms. By architecting seamless connections between global travel networks and Northeast India’s pristine landscapes, Bharali stands at the helm of this transformative launch—bridging regional heritage with international opportunity.

Testament to Visionary Governance and Local Entrepreneurship

Welcoming this historic launch, Nirud Moni Pandey, a pioneer tourism entrepreneur of Central Assam based in the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary circuit, praised the initiative as a direct reflection of the state’s changing tourism landscape. “The arrival of Skål International in Guwahati self-explains the tireless dedication and vision of Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma in transforming our tourism industry,” noted Pandey. “Through robust infrastructure development along key transit routes like Asian Highway 1, enhanced security, and global branding, the Chief Minister’s leadership has empowered local grassroots entrepreneurs across Central Assam to welcome the world with confidence.”

The Gateway City & Its 32-Kilometer Eco-Cultural Circle

Positioned as the definitive Gateway to Northeast India and a crucial bridge across Southeast Asia, Guwahati offers an extraordinary blend of ancient heritage, mystical folklore, and rich biodiversity. Within a short 32-kilometer radius of the urban center lies an exceptional circuit of eco-cultural destinations now positioned for international promotion.

This includes Maa Kamakhya Devalaya, one of the Indian subcontinent’s most venerated Shakti Peethas; Ancient Mayong, globally renowned as the historical realm of occult lore and traditional folk healing; and the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, home to the world’s highest density of the Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros. The circuit is further enriched by Kasasila River Dolphin Spotting along the Brahmaputra riverbanks, offering sightings of the rare Gangetic River Dolphin, and the Amchong Tea Estate & Boutique Resorts, where luxury eco-tourism meets Assam’s century-old tea heritage.

Driving India’s Growing Global Footprint

As India’s diplomatic and economic presence continues to expand on international platforms, the integration of Assam’s tourism fraternity into Skål International’s worldwide network across 75+ countries opens new avenues for foreign direct investment, sustainable eco-tourism, and trade partnerships.

The grand event at Hotel Vivanta will assemble regional trade leaders, institutional stakeholders, and corporate pioneers to map out a sustainable growth roadmap. Operating under the motto “Greater Travel, Stronger Together,” the arrival of Skål International in Guwahati establishes a structured framework to showcase Assam’s heritage, wildlife, and natural wonders to travelers worldwide.

Event Schedule and Confirmation

According to official details informed by event coordinator Dipankar Bharali, the grand launch event will take place on Monday, October 5, 2026, starting from 5:30 PM onwards at Hotel Vivanta, Guwahati.

 Attendance for this exclusive international tourism gathering is by RSVP confirmation, with Dipankar Bharali serving as the official point of contact for inquiries and guest confirmations at +91 7002617440.