— By Mayuraxi Kalita
Assam, the gateway of North-East India, known for its rich biodiversity, vast river systems, cultural heritage and scenic landscapes traditionally remained underexplored by the tourism sector of India till about to decades back.
Assam holds geographical importance for regional connectivity and tourism expansion. According to state tourism data, Assam historically accounted for only around 0.23% of domestic tourists and 0.09% of foreign tourists in India, highlighting a significant gap between potential and actual performance.
However, as of recently, Assam witnessed a significant push in development helped in positioning tourism as a key driver of economic growth. With improved connectivity, policy support, emerging niche segments like food and tea tourism, Assam is gradually transforming into a promising tourism hub.
The improved connectivity and accessibility have been a key factor for boosting tourism in Assam. The recent expansion of Guwahati Airport terminal has enhanced domestic and international connectivity. The development of national highways and major road corridors has reduced travel time across key tourist destination. Beyond basic connectivity, Assam has of late witnessed a broader push in infrastructure aimed at strenghtening its tourism ecosystem.
Large-scale projects on the anvil such as Guwahati Ring Road and proposed infrastructure like the Brahmaputra tunnel are expected to significantly improve intra-state mobility.
Additionally, projects worth Rs 5,000 crore have been inaugurated in recent years, focusing on roads, bridges and urban infrastructure. These projects are not only improving accessibility but also increasing investor confidence in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
Alongside general infrastructure, targeted tourism projects have also contributed to Assam’s transformation. Religious tourism is being strengthened through initiatives like the Kamakhya Ropeway project, which aims to improve accessibility for pilgrims visiting Kamakhya Temple.
River tourism on the Brahmaputra is emerging as a unique attraction, with luxury cruise services offering curated travel experience. Wildlife tourism continues to lead as Assam is home to 7 national parks and 19 wildlife sanctuaries. Thus wildlife tourism remains a strong pillar, particularly in Kaziranga National Park, which holds a majority share of the world’s one-horned rhinoceros population. These developments are helping Assam diversify its tourism portfolio and attract a wider range of visitors, moving beyond traditional sightseeing to experiential tourism.
Assam’s identity as one of the largest tea producing regions in the world provides a unique opportunity for tourism development. The state contributes over 50% of India’s total tea production making it globally significant in the tea industry. In recent years, tea estates have been promoted as tourism destination, offering heritage stays and immersive experiences such as tea plucking, plantation walks and factory visits.
Bed & breakfast industry have recently emerged as a significant promoter of tourism in Assam, particularly through stays located within tea estate. These accommodations offer visitors an immersive experience of living amidst tea gardens, combining natural beauty with cultural authenticity and have increasingly attracted tourists seeking experiential and nature-based travel. This form of tourism not only enhances visitor experience but also creates additional revenue streams for plantation owners and local communities. It also contributes to rural development by generating employment and supporting allied activities. Tea tourism therefore represents a high value niche segment with strong potential for expansion.
Food tourism is emerging as a significant component of Assam’s tourism sector, driven by growing demand for experiential travel. Assamese cuisine, known for its use of fresh, local and organic ingredients offers a distinct culinary identity. Food festivals and events such as Rongali Bihu celebrations, Ambubachi Mela, Brahmaputra River Festival, Majuli Festival etc play a crucial role in showcasing traditional dishes with their unique preparations. These events attract tourists while promoting entrepreneurship, support local vendors and contribute to rural economic development.
The transformation of Assam’s tourism sector has been strongly supported by targeted government policies and central schemes aimed at infrastructure development and destination promotion.
The Swadesh Darshan Scheme has played a key role in developing theme-based tourist circuits across the country, including projects in Assam focused on eco- tourism and cultural tourism and cultural tourism. Under Swadesh
Darshan 2.0, specific projects such as the development of Kokrajharand tea tourism sites have been sanctioned with funding support. Similarly, the PRASHAD Scheme (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive) has contributed to improving infrastructure at religious destinations, including facilities around the Kamakhya Temple, enhancing visitor experience and accessibility.
At the state level, the Assam Tourism Policy 2022 reflects a shift towards a more structured and strategic framework. By emphasizing sustainable development, private investment, and integrated infrastructure, the policy aims to align growth with long term viability. This is particularly important in a region where ecological sensitivity and cultural preservation are as critical as economic expansion.
Assam today stands at a pivotal moment in its tourism journey. The building blocks of transformation; connectivity, infrastructure, diversification,
and policy support; are increasingly in place. Yet the real test lies ahead. Sustaining this momentum will require careful balancing: between growth and sustainability, promotion and preservation, accessibility and authenticity.
If managed thoughtfully, Assam has the potential not just to increase tourist numbers, but to redefine what tourism in Northeast India can look like; rooted in nature, enriched by culture, and driven by inclusive development.
Assam witnessed a sharp increase in tourist arrivals from around 17 lakh in 2021-22 to nearly 98 lakh in 2022-23, indicating strong post- pandemic recovery. In 2023–24, the state recorded approximately 70 lakh tourists, maintaining a high level of inflow.
Over the last four years, Assam has attracted more than 2.4 crore tourists, highlighting sustained growth. Tourism is increasingly emerging as a multiplier sector, supporting industries such as hospitality, transport, handicrafts, and local markets. With India’s tourism industry projected to reach USD 125 billion by 2027, Assam has significant potential to capture a larger share of this expanding market, provided current growth trends continue.
Despite notable progress, Assam’s tourism sector continues to face several structural challenges. One of the key issues is inadequate last- mile connectivity, particularly in remote areas, which limits accessibility despite improvements in major infrastructure. Seasonal challenges such as floods also affect tourism activities and disrupt travel plans during certain periods of the year.
Additionally, the state lacks sufficient high- end tourism infrastructure, which restricts its ability to attract premium international tourists. Assam’s global visibility also remains relatively low due to limited international marketing and branding efforts. Addressing these challenges will be essential to ensure that tourism growth is not only rapid but also sustainable and inclusive.
The journey from untapped potential to a tourism powerhouse has begun, but its success depends on how effectively Assam balances growth and sustainability.
(The Author may be contacted over Email: [email protected])
