The Northeast region of India has emerged as an important domestic tourism destination, gaining more than 125 lakhs in 2023, a number that, in 2014, read at 70 lakhs. This has been stated by Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat during the inauguration of the 12th International Tourism Mart (ITM) for the northeast at Kaziranga in Assam.
Transformative Impact of Infrastructure Development in Northeast India
Minister Shekhawat attributes the tourist footfall to major infrastructural developments in the region. These include improved transportation systems, tourism facilities modernized and the development of new attractions specifically aimed at enhancing the visitor experience. He added that an increase in tourists has triggered a 2.5% growth in accommodation facilities directly benefiting the local economies and communities.
Domestic tourism in the country has seen unprecedented growth in the post-Covid era, unparalleled globally,” Shekhawat said. Even during these challenging times of the pandemic, Shekhawat said, the number of tourists that have been visiting the Northeast has doubled in the last ten years, which speaks about the resilience and appeal of the region.
Cultural Wealth as a major attraction
The Northeast’s cultural heritage, landscapes, and cuisine have been major tourism attractions in the domestic tourism sector. The minister emphasized the government’s sustainable tourism approach to make sure the region’s natural beauty and its cultural assets are protected while also developing the economy.
Government Schemes and Tourism Development
Other significant steps in terms of initiatives at the center, particularly tourism infrastructure boosters through schemes such as Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive), are 16 projects amounting to ₹1,309 crore already undertaken in Swadesh Darshan 1.0, whereas 16 destinations under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 have also been shortlisted.
Meanwhile, the Northeast has received approval for eight projects under the PRASHAD scheme with a specific allocation of ₹256 crore.
An outstanding beneficiary is Assam’s Kamakhya Temple. Established as the state’s foremost destination, the temple has seen notable development under the PRASHAD scheme. The temple attracted nearly 11 lakh visitors in 2022-23.
Kaziranga: A Beacon for Tourism in the Northeast
The venue of the 12th ITM, Kaziranga, holds symbolic value because 2024 marks the 50th year of the designation of Kaziranga National Park as a national park. The area of this park has expanded dramatically from 400 square kilometers a decade ago to 1,300 square kilometers today. It is one of the jewels of India’s wildlife tourism and the world’s largest habitat for one-horned rhinoceroses, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Shekhawat hailed the choice of Kaziranga as the host to ITM, stating that this event helped visitors get drenched into the regional biodiversity and culture. “Kaziranga is not just a national treasure but a global heritage site reflecting India’s commitment to preserve its natural wealth,” he said.
Tourism and Economic Transformation
Elaborating on larger socioeconomic changes, Shekhawat mentioned that more than 250 million Indians have come out of poverty and entered the middle class. This growing middle-class population has become an important contributor to domestic tourism as the middle class has increasing disposable incomes and a desire to travel through the vast geography of India. Moreover, the country’s rising status globally has added to its appeal as a destination for tourists both within the country and abroad.
A Promising Future for Northeast Tourism
The Northeast, through rapid strides in tourism development and its rich cultural and natural assets, has emerged as a new destination for the travelers. Sustainable and community-based tourism development efforts ensure that these unique offerings are protected for the future. The success of the ITM and the continued government initiatives demonstrate the growing importance of the Northeast in India’s tourism scenario.
The continued focus on sustainable development and regional connectivity will position the Northeast region as a model for tourism-led growth. Transformative progress that has been observed in this last decade spells out an even brighter era for this diverse and vibrant region, both for the country’s nationals and travelers from all over the world.
ALSO READ: Ola Electric Unveils Affordable Electric Scooters, S1 Z, and Gig Range Starting at Rs 39,000
