Much has been said about tourism prospects in Northeast India, and how the region can tap tourism to improve livelihoods and transform this potential into a driving force for economic growth.
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Much has been said about tourism prospects in Northeast India. A visit from central political leaders and officials would be incomplete without mentioning this outlook – how the region can tap tourism to improve livelihoods and transform this potential into a driving force for economic growth. It is music to the ears and is not unfounded, given the region's stunning natural landscapes, diverse cultures, rich biodiversity, and various other factors that contribute to its potential as a tourist destination. However, it is easier said than done. While the region has witnessed consistent growth in the tourism sector over the years, thanks to the publicity and curiosity generated by the internet, the fact that it accounts for less than 1% of India’s total tourist visits speaks volumes about its limited growth and impact. As per the India Tourism Data Compendium 2025 provided by the Union Ministry of Tourism, Northeast is the least visited region in the country, registering only 1.3 crore visitors in 2024, while Uttar Pradesh alone saw nearly 6.5 crore visitors in the same year. Unfortunately, Northeast’s tourism dreams become a nightmare when confronted with harsh realities such as poor connectivity, whether by road, air, or rail. Then there is the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime in place in several north-eastern states like Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim. This regime, which mandates that foreign nationals obtain a travel document to visit the restricted areas, hinders the growth of tourism in the region. It needs to be revoked.
Tourism in the region is also highly seasonal. For instance, Nagaland has seen a steady increase in tourist footfall over the years, but it is because of its famous annual Hornbill Festival. According to the government data, a total of 131,139 (approx. 1.32 lakh) people—1,25,516 domestic and 5,623 foreign—visited the state in 2024, but 58,744 were during the 10-day Hornbill Festival in December, which is 44.79 per cent of the year’s tourists. This worrying trend is observed not only in Nagaland but across most of the north-eastern states. Seasonal and one-time tourism activities like festivals, fairs and cultural events may provide scope for short-term economic gains through businesses like hotels, transport services, sales of local products, etc., but what follows after the show ends can be disquieting. Overtourism, characterised by sudden influx and decline of visitors, can lead to financial instability, job insecurity and underutilisation of resources. Such fluctuations can be detrimental to the local economy as well as the environment. Policymakers must look beyond seasonal tourism and turn it into a sustainable long-term industry by providing year-round experiences. Only then can the public truly benefit from tourism.