Syllabus: GS-III: Tourism Policy

Why in the News?

Thailand’s plan to begin chartered flight services to Meghalaya by December 2025 marks a transformational milestone in Northeast India’s tourism and connectivity landscape. The move signifies the region’s growing international visibility and Thailand’s recognition of the Northeast’s unexplored tourism potential. With 98% of its boundary shared with international borders — China, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal — the Northeast Region (NER) holds immense strategic and cultural importance for India’s Act East Policy.

The proposed Bangkok–Shillong charter flights could open the skies for more direct air links between the Northeast and ASEAN nations, catalysing cross-border tourism, trade, and cultural exchange.

Status of Tourism in Northeast India

The Northeast Region, comprising eight states, is home to breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity, and vibrant tribal cultures. However, its tourism potential remains underutilised.

Key Statistics:

• The NER accounts for less than 5% of India’s total tourist arrivals.
• According to the Ministry of Tourism (2023), the region received about 12 million domestic tourists and 0.15 million foreign tourists in 2022–23.
• Assam, Meghalaya, and Sikkim lead in tourist footfall, while Nagaland and Manipur lag due to limited connectivity and infrastructure.
• Mizoram received a boost with broad-gauge railway connectivity to Sairang, near Aizawl.
• The Northeast Tourism Development Council (NETDC) and Swadesh Darshan 2.0 focus on eco-tourism and cultural circuits.
• Despite infrastructure projects like airport expansions and new heliports, connectivity gaps persist.

Prospects of Tourism in the Northeast

Strategic Location and Act East Potential

The NER lies at the crossroads of South and Southeast Asia. Enhanced air and road connectivity can link it to Bangladesh, Myanmar, Bhutan, Thailand, and Vietnam, integrating it into ASEAN tourism circuits.

Eco-Tourism and Adventure Tourism

• Home to Kaziranga, Manas, Namdapha, and Dibru-Saikhowa national parks — rich in megafauna like the one-horned rhino and hoolock gibbon.
• Offers trekking (Mechuka, Dzukou Valley), river rafting (Siang, Subansiri), and caving (Meghalaya).

Cultural and Heritage Tourism

• Over 220 ethnic groups with distinct languages, art forms, and cuisines.
• Festivals like Hornbill (Nagaland), Wangala (Meghalaya), Ziro Festival (Arunachal Pradesh), and Bihu (Assam) are major cultural attractions.

Religious and Spiritual Tourism

• Buddhist monasteries in Tawang, Bomdila, and Sikkim draw international tourists.
• The proposed Gelephu Mindfulness City project in Bhutan can synergize with India’s Northeast as a wellness destination.

Emerging Film and Eco-Circuits

The Incredible India North East Film Policy (2023) promotes the region as a filming hub, enhancing visibility and employment.

Significance of Tourism in the Northeast

• Economic Growth and Employment: Tourism is labour-intensive and can provide direct and indirect employment. Sustainable tourism could add ₹1 lakh crore to the regional GDP over the next decade (NITI Aayog, 2022).
• Cultural Integration and Soft Power: Promotes people-to-people connectivity and enhances India’s cultural diplomacy in the ASEAN region.
• Environmental Stewardship: Encourages eco-tourism models balancing conservation and livelihood.
• Strategic and Geopolitical Value: Strengthens India’s Act East Policy and counters China’s BRI influence.

Challenges Hindering Tourism Growth

• Connectivity Deficit: Limited direct air links; dependence on Kolkata and Delhi for outbound flights; poor road infrastructure in hilly terrain.
• Underutilised Infrastructure: New airports and heliports see low footfall due to lack of route rationalization.
• Visa and Immigration Constraints: Lack of visa-on-arrival, consular facilities, and Inner Line Permit (ILP) restrictions in Mizoram, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh.
• Seasonal Tourism: Low occupancy during monsoons and irregular airline services.
• Environmental Sensitivity: Unplanned tourism risks fragile ecosystems.
• Security Perception: Despite improvements, perceived instability deters some international travellers.

Developing Cultural Tourism in Hill Districts of Assam

The hill districts of Assam — Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao, and West Karbi Anglong — are rich in tribal cultures and natural beauty but largely unexplored.

• Tribal Heritage and Handicrafts: Promotion of Karbi and Dimasa art forms, weaving, and woodcraft.
• Eco-Villages and Homestays: Community-led tourism around Haflong, Umrangso, and Garampani.
• Music and Cultural Festivals: Dima Hasao Heritage Festival and Karbi Youth Festivals scaled into international events.
• Adventure Tourism: Hills, waterfalls, and lakes offering trekking, paragliding, and camping.
• Linking Circuits: Integration with Kaziranga–Karbi–Dima Hasao–Shillong circuits.

Steps Taken by the Government to Promote Tourism in Northeast India

1. Policy Frameworks and Missions

• Act East Policy (AEP): Focuses on connectivity, trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges with ASEAN countries.
• North East Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS, 2017): Incentives for tourism and hospitality projects.
• Draft National Tourism Policy, 2022: Prioritizes thematic tourism development under “Incredible India – Northeast Experience.”

2. Infrastructure Development Schemes

• Swadesh Darshan Scheme & 2.0: Thematic tourism circuits across NER states.
• PRASHAD Scheme: Develops religious and spiritual tourism infrastructure.
• UDAN Regional Connectivity Scheme: Affordable air travel with operationalized airports in key NER locations.
• NHIDCL: Implements road projects connecting tourist circuits and Trans-Asian Highway connectivity.

3. Regional Institutional and Marketing Initiatives

• NETDC: Inter-state tourism planning, marketing, and capacity building.
• Destination North East Festival: Annual tourism fair showcasing culture, handicrafts, and cuisine.
• North East India Tourism App (2024): Real-time information on destinations and homestays.

4. State-Level Initiatives

• Assam: Assam Tourism Policy 2022 for eco-tourism, river tourism, and cultural heritage circuits.
• Meghalaya: Meghalaya Tourism Model (2023) emphasizing community-based tourism and homestays.
• Arunachal Pradesh: Promotes adventure and cultural tourism under Dekho Apna Desh Initiative.
• Nagaland: Hornbill Festival branded as “Festival of Festivals,” attracting international tourists.
• Sikkim: Recognized for organic and sustainable tourism by UNDP.

5. Skill Development and Community Participation

• Capacity Building for Service Providers (CBSP) trains local youth as guides, drivers, and homestay managers.
• Incredible India Tourist Facilitator Certification (IITFC) offers online training modules.
• NABARD and NEHHDC support rural craft-based tourism and homestays.

6. Cultural and Cross-Border Tourism Promotion

• India developing Buddhist Tourism Circuits linking Tawang, Bomdila, Sarnath, and Bodh Gaya with Thailand, Bhutan, and Myanmar.
• Proposed Bangkok–Shillong charter flight (2025) promotes international connectivity.
• India–Bangladesh River Tourism Protocol Routes being expanded to include Karimganj and Dawki.

7. Digital and Green Tourism Initiatives

• Dekho Apna Desh Webinars promote lesser-known destinations digitally.
• Sustainable Tourism Criteria for India (STCI) for eco-friendly infrastructure in NER.
• Green Tourism Certification for hotels and resorts initiated in Sikkim and Meghalaya.

Way Forward

• Strengthen International Air Connectivity: Begin routes to Bangkok, Hanoi, Dhaka, and Yangon; collaborate with ASEAN airlines.
• Visa and Tourism Facilitation Centres: Regional visa offices in Guwahati, Imphal, and Shillong.
• Integrated Regional Tourism Strategy: Create North East Tourism Corridor connecting sites across states.
• Data-Driven Tourism Policy: Collect outbound tourist data to show demand potential to airlines.
• Sustainable and Responsible Tourism: Promote low-impact tourism and community-based tourism (CBT).
• Cultural Branding and Digital Outreach: Digital storytelling, films, and influencer marketing for “Unexplored Northeast India.”

Conclusion

The Thailand–Meghalaya charter flight initiative could be a game-changer in positioning the Northeast as India’s new tourism frontier. Unlocking its potential requires data-driven connectivity, cultural branding, sustainable tourism ecosystems, and community engagement.

Mains Practice Questions

“Connectivity and culture are the twin engines for tourism growth in Northeast India.” Discuss in the context of India’s Act East Policy.

Source: Sentinel Assam