Northeast tourism: INR 800 crore investment to boost lesser-known destinations

As per the latest development, with an expenditure of almost INR 800 crore, the Indian Government has authorised the construction of eight lesser-known tourist spots across six northeastern states in an attempt to lessen crowding and encourage sustainable tourism.

These initiatives seek to establish famous locations that will promote economic development in impoverished communities and aid in more equitable distribution of tourists. Meghalaya, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Sikkim, and Tripura are the states that will be involved in the projects, wherein the Department of Expenditure (DoE) has also provided green signal to them.


The approved projects include creating unique experiences at key locations such as the Nathula border in Sikkim (INR 97.37 crore), the 51 Shakti Peethas Park in Tripura (INR 97.7 crore), Loktak Lake in Manipur (INR 89.48 crore), and Umiam Lake in Shillong (INR 99.27 crore). Other projects include the Assam State Zoo in Guwahati (INR 97.12 crore) and the Siang Eco-retreat in Arunachal Pradesh (INR 46.48 crore).
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These initiatives are part of a broader vision to spread tourism more evenly across the country, reducing pressure on popular destinations.

Reports further add that this initiative is part of a larger plan involving 40 projects across 23 states, with a total value of INR 3,295 crore, which are aimed at fostering sustainable tourism. The aim is to create famous tourism attractions that draw tourists, create jobs locally, and support regional cultures, according to Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. To assist governments in submitting applications for such projects—which will encompass both state-funded and public-private partnership models—the Ministry of Tourism has established operating guidelines.

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The selected projects will not only improve infrastructure but also promote global branding and marketing, helping these lesser-known destinations gain international attention. The Ministry also encourages states to explore opportunities for public-private investment.
Alongside these advancements, Pema Khandu, the chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh, emphasised the notable rise in tourism, especially in the villages bordering China. The number of visitors has grown by 205% in the last ten years, and initiatives are being made to accelerate this expansion by collaborating with the military and the Centre to upgrade border areas' infrastructure.