Union Tourism Minister, addressing the 13th International Tourism Mart in Sikkim, said the Northeast has transformed from a once-remote region into one of India’s fastest-growing tourism frontiers. Each of the eight states—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim—forms a vibrant tapestry of culture, festivals, cuisine and spiritual heritage, he noted. Complimenting the Sikkim Government for hosting ITM, he described the state as “where nature smiles”.
Highlighting major progress under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the Minister said airports, highways, railways and digital connectivity have dramatically reduced both physical and perceptual distances. Air traffic in the region has climbed from 9.8 million passengers in 2019 to 11.2 million in 2024—its highest ever.
The hospitality sector, he said, is entering a new growth phase with over 3,000 new branded hotel rooms expected across Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Tripura and Nagaland by 2030, reflecting strong investor confidence. Skill development through CIHM, SIHM and food craft institutes is empowering youth, entrepreneurs and women to drive the future of tourism.
The Minister emphasised that tourism today is more than travel—it is a bridge connecting people, cultures and livelihoods. Homestays, community-led tourism, adventure circuits, spiritual trails, festivals and tea estate tourism are generating jobs and income across the region. Assam’s recent inclusion in The New York Times’ “52 Places to Go in 2025” signals rising global interest in the Northeast’s biodiversity and cultural richness.
He underlined that projects worth ₹3,000 crore have been approved under Swadesh Darshan, PRASAD, Saathi and other flagship schemes, creating new circuits, restoring heritage sites and building world-class tourism experiences. The goal, he said, is clear: to position the Northeast as one of the world’s leading sustainable tourism destinations.
Calling the region ecologically sensitive, he stressed the need for responsible development. Through the National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism and Mission LiFE, efforts are underway to promote plastic-free zones, waste reduction, renewable energy, local products and community participation.
The Minister concluded that the Northeast is “not just a destination but a feeling”, and ITM serves as a gateway to new partnerships, markets and opportunities. He urged collective action to ensure that development progresses hand in hand with nature, leaving every visitor with unforgettable memories of this magical region.
