Amadubi has received the last phase of funds for a rural tourism project

Jamshedpur, March 30: East Singhbhum’s Amadubi village will soon make its mark on the global tourism map.

Amadubi rural tourism, a state tourism department project implemented by Jamshedpur NGO Kalamandir, will promote itself at Destination East 2013-2014, a two-day event organised by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in Calcutta later this year.

The fourth edition of Destination East, between February 8 and 15, 2013, had a consortium of international tourist agents, hoteliers and businessmen. The fifth means big exposure for the tiny hamlet to promote itself as an offbeat address.

More so, when Amadubi has had a rocky start. The rural tourism project, launched in 2008, is still incomplete due to lack of funds.

But now, with the last phase of funds released, the project hopes to see the light of day this fiscal.

“The Amadubi project is now almost complete, so are looking forward to market it big. For a complete tour package, we will also focus on other similar spots. Though the date is yet to be finalised, this CII expo will be a major boost to rural tourism,” said Monica Bhatia, Kalamandir business development manager.

The project has gained a boost from CII after it launched a study report on Amadubi at its annual general meeting at Beldih Club this month.

The report classified tourists in four categories — weekend ones comprising families, business tourists, including consultants visiting corporate houses, people looking for meditation and holistic health, including yoga, and students on exposure tours.

CII also promised promotion and tech aid for pyatkar artists.

“We want to promote Amadubi with intervention in art and craft in near future,” said S.K. Behera, well-known industrialist, elected as CII (Jharkhand) state council chairman.

Destination East promises to be a game-changer. “Destination East attracts delegates from several countries and is a major CII annual event,” said Rahul Singh, state head of CII (Jharkhand).

Overall, the proposed rural tourism package includes the historic Dalbhumgarh airstrip, author Bibhuti Bhushan Bandyopadhyay’s residence and Burudih Dam, both in Ghatshila, and other spots of historic, religious or cultural significance.