Syllabus: GS-III & V: Inclusive Growth

Why in the News?

Assam has recently recorded a sharp rise in tourist inflow, both domestic and international, with record footfall reported in 2024–25. While this is boosting the economy and livelihoods, it has also raised concerns over overtourism and its potential impact on Assam’s fragile ecosystems such as Kaziranga, Majuli, and the Brahmaputra isles. Similar to global hotspots like Venice or Ladakh, Assam now faces the question: can tourism grow while protecting the very landscapes and cultures that attract visitors?

Tourism Sector in Assam

• Assam is one of the Seven Sister States of Northeast India, strategically located with rich biodiversity, tea heritage, river islands, and vibrant ethnic traditions.
• The state contributes significantly to the Northeast’s tourism economy and acts as a gateway to the region due to its connectivity.
• According to Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC), the state welcomed over 70 lakh domestic tourists and ~50,000 foreign tourists in 2023–24.
• Assam has ranked 4th on New York Times’ list of 52 destinations to visit in 2025.
  

Types of Tourism in Assam

• Wildlife Tourism
  • Kaziranga National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site): famous for the one-horned rhinoceros.
  • Manas National Park (also UNESCO site), Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Raimona National Park.
• Cultural & Heritage Tourism
  • Majuli (world’s largest river island): known for Satras, mask-making, and Vaishnavite culture.
  • Sivasagar: Ahom monuments and heritage sites.
  • Charaideo:  Moidams (also UNESCO site)
• Tea & Eco-Tourism
  • Assam’s globally renowned tea estates offer plantation tours and eco-stays.
• Spiritual Tourism
  • Kamakhya Temple, Hajo, Hayagriva Madhava Temple.
• Rural & Community-Based Tourism
  • Homestays in villages near Raimona and Majuli, which distribute income and preserve local traditions.
• River Tourism
  • Brahmaputra river cruises, island festivals, water sports.
• Adventure Tourism
  • Trekking in Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao, river rafting in Jia Bhoroli and Subansiri.
    

Significance of Tourism in Assam

• Economic Growth: Tourism contributes to Assam’s GDP, supports hospitality, handicrafts, transport, and creates jobs.
  Cultural Promotion: Showcases Bihu, crafts (Jaapi, masks), and silk traditions (Muga, Eri, Pat).
• Regional Integration: Acts as a soft power tool linking Assam with national and global platforms.
• Sustainable Livelihoods: Community-run homestays and eco-tourism help reduce dependence on extractive industries.
  

Challenges of Tourism in Assam

• Overtourism & Environmental Pressure
  • Kaziranga faces overcrowding during peak seasons, disturbing wildlife.
  • Majuli is threatened by floods, erosion, and tourist load.
• Poor Infrastructure
  • Limited air connectivity, poor last-mile transport, and inadequate tourist facilities.
• Climate Change Impact
  • Erratic monsoons, floods, and river erosion threaten sites like Kaziranga and Majuli.
• Security Perceptions
  • Although insurgency has declined, negative perception of safety still affects foreign tourist inflow.
• Unregulated Tourism Growth
  • Random hotel construction without eco-sensitivity, especially in wildlife zones.
• Cultural Erosion
  • Risk of commercialization of local traditions if tourism is not regulated.
    

Initiatives to Promote Tourism in Assam

• Tourism Department since 1958 – For the promotion of tourism in Assam, the Department of Tourism was formed in 1958, laying the foundation for organised tourism development in the state.
• Assam Tourism (Development and Registration) Act, 2024 – Provides a legal framework for regulating, standardising, and promoting tourism units (hotels, homestays, tour operators). 
  • It ensures better governance, tourist safety, and quality service delivery while preventing unregistered or unregulated operators.
• Assam Tourism Policy 2021 – Focus on eco-tourism, cultural heritage, and adventure tourism.
• Dwijing Festival (river festival on the Manas), Falcon Festival in Umrangso, Dima Hasao, Majuli Raas Mahotsav, Rongali Festival – Promote cultural tourism.
• Kaziranga Jeep Safari Regulation – To control visitor flow.
• Community Homestay Schemes in Raimona and Majuli – Empower locals and reduce pressure on urban clusters.
• Brahmaputra River Tourism Development Project – Cruises and water-based tourism.
  

Way Forward

• Adopt Regenerative Tourism
  • Go beyond sustainability: restore ecosystems and empower communities.
  • Limit numbers in Kaziranga, Majuli, and river isles to carrying capacity.
• Eco-sensitive Infrastructure
  • Promote green hotels, solar energy, waste-to-compost systems, and eco-transport.
• Diversify Tourist Flow
  • Promote off-season tourism and lesser-known regions like Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao.
• Community-Led Models
  • Expand homestay and rural tourism models to ensure benefits reach locals directly.
• Digital Promotion & Branding
  • Use campaigns like “Awesome Assam” to highlight nature + culture + responsible tourism.
    

Conclusion

Tourism in Assam is at a crossroads. It has the power to become a driver of economic prosperity, cultural pride, and ecological conservation, but only if managed wisely. By shifting from mass tourism to regenerative tourism, Assam can set an example for the Northeast and the world, ensuring that the rhinos of Kaziranga, the masks of Majuli, and the melodies of Bihu remain alive for generations to come.

Mains Practice Question

“Tourism in Assam holds great economic and cultural potential but also poses risks of overtourism and ecological stress. Critically evaluate the opportunities and challenges of Assam’s tourism sector and suggest a sustainable way forward.”

THE ASSAM TRIBUNE