Ministry of Tourism aggressively promoting Tourism in the North-Eastern Region
Ministry of Tourism as part of its ongoing endeavour, promotes various tourism destinations and products of India including the states of North Eastern region in a holistic manner, through various initiatives including promotional events, assistance to State Governments/UT Administrations for organising fairs and festivals, participation in exhibitions, websites, social media etc.
Key Initiatives
- International Tourism Mart (ITM): Annual event since 2013 showcasing tourism potential of the 8 NE states. Latest held in Gangtok, Sikkim (Nov 2025).
- Digital Promotion: Revamped Incredible India Digital Platform (2024) with multilingual content highlighting NE destinations.
- Social Media & Campaigns: Regular creative posts, live sessions, and promotional material on NE tourism.
- Financial Assistance: CFA support under DPPH scheme for fairs & festivals across NE states.
- Infrastructure Development: Through Swadesh Darshan 2.0, PRASHAD, SASCI, and CBDD schemes — focusing on sustainable and responsible tourism.
- Cleanliness & Awareness: 200 SAP activities in 2025–26, plus Swachhta Pakhwada and Swachhta Hi Sewa campaigns.
- Air Connectivity: Collaboration with RCS-UDAN to improve regional links. Tourism routes include Dibrugarh–Dimapur, Imphal–Dimapur, Agartala–Aizawl, Hollongi–Guwahati, etc.
Tourist Footfall (2025)
- Highest Domestic Visits: Assam (9.05 million), Meghalaya (1.84 million), Sikkim (1.65 million).
- Highest Foreign Visits: Sikkim (68,992), Assam (33,858).
- Lowest Footfall: Manipur (25,281 domestic; 2,892 foreign).
Tourist Footfall (Jan–Jun 2026)
- Strong Growth: Assam (4.6 million domestic), Sikkim (2.35 million domestic).
- Foreign Visits: Assam (32,471), Sikkim (43,734).
- Lagging States: Manipur (12,744 domestic; 1,219 foreign), Nagaland (27,305 domestic; 1,131 foreign).
Supported Fairs & Festivals
- Assam: Rass Mahotsav, Rongali Festival, Bhogali Festival.
- Arunachal Pradesh: Tawang Festival, Orange Festival Dambuk, Eco Harmony.
- Manipur: Sangai Festival, Youth Adventure & Water Sports Festival.
- Meghalaya: Wangala Dance Festival, Nongkrem Dance Festival.
- Mizoram: Anthurium Festival, Chapchar Kut, Winter Festival.
- Nagaland: Hornbill Festival, Sekrenyi Festival, Naga Wrestling.
- Sikkim: Red Panda Winter Festival, Lampokhri Festival.
- Tripura: Neermahal Festival, Diwali Festival, Chabimura Festival.
✨ Big Picture: The North-East is being positioned as a cultural and eco-tourism hub, with strong emphasis on festivals, sustainable infrastructure, digital promotion, and improved connectivity. Assam and Sikkim are leading in tourist numbers, while states like Manipur and Nagaland need more visibility and infrastructure support.
