Assam’s tourism sector is experiencing a phenomenal surge, with the state welcoming over 1 crore tourists in the 2023-24 fiscal year. This impressive achievement was announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on the occasion of World Tourism Day, marking a significant milestone for the state’s tourism industry.
The record tourist footfalls are a testament to Assam’s growing appeal as a premier travel destination. The government’s focus on improving infrastructure and strengthening law and order has played a pivotal role in making Assam a more attractive destination for travelers from across India and beyond. This remarkable recovery, especially after the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, is a clear indicator of the state’s resilience and its potential as a leading tourism hub.
Chief Minister Sarma, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), highlighted Assam’s tourism boom, stating, “Assam’s tourism is booming, attracting visitors from across the country. Our improved infrastructure and security have made Assam a preferred destination for lakhs of tourists. The post-pandemic recovery has been phenomenal, with nearly 1 crore visitors in 2023-24.”
Tourism Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah further elaborated on the state’s tourism success during a recent Assam Assembly session. He revealed that Assam received a record 98.31 lakh tourists in 2022-23, the highest number since 2016. The growth extends to international tourism as well, with foreign visitor numbers increasing significantly from 6,000 to 42,000 in the past year.
To celebrate World Tourism Day, Assam organized a series of events at its iconic tourist spots, including Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) and Manas National Park. A major highlight of the day was a cycle rally cum cleanliness drive at Kaziranga’s Kohora range. Around 200 participants, including local organizations and residents, actively participated in this initiative, aiming to make Kaziranga a litter and plastic-free zone ahead of the upcoming tourist season.
This surge in tourism numbers underscores Assam’s burgeoning potential as a travel destination, particularly in wildlife tourism and eco-tourism. The government is actively promoting sustainable tourism practices, emphasizing the preservation of the state’s natural beauty and cultural heritage while ensuring responsible and eco-friendly tourism development.
