Tourism

Tourism has emerged as one of the prospective sectors of industry in the Northeast. Expert foresees a more explosive growth in this sector in the coming decades. In order to further accelerate the development of the sector, the thrust area pursued during the Ninth Five Year Plan were- (a) development of infrastructure; (b) product development; (c) development of trekking, winter sports, wildlife and beach resorts, (d) exploring new source markets in regions and countries having cultural affinity; (e) environmental protection and cultural preservation of natural heritage projects; (f) launching of national image building and marketing plan in key markets; (g) providing inexpensive accommodation in different tourist centers; (h) improving service efficiency in public sector corporations; (i) streamlining of facilitation procedures at airports; (j) human resource development; (k) monitoring and evaluation; (l) strengthening of organization; (m) creating awareness and public participation and; (n) facilitating private sector participation in development of infrastructure etc.

The North Eastern part of India is almost another world. It is a place of magical beauty and bewildering diversity. A land nestled in myths and mysteries, lore and legends and in many tender dreams. A land where the summer rains drench the hills meeting the misty plains, where exotic wildlife haunts the jungles, where flow rivers like the Brahmaputra, the Barak and the Imphal and where the trains whistle into dark tunnels only to open out to breathtaking landscapes.

With more than a hundred and fifty tribes speaking as many languages, this region is a melting pot of variegated cultural mosaic of people and races, an ethnic tapestry of many hues and shades. The folk culture is still vital in this region. The primitive culture of at least the neolithic age now co-exists with the modern and post -modern lifestyle. Well integrated with life and nature, the folk artworks have a common element of tune and tone.

Indeed it's a virtual paradise for travelers, searching for continuous joy in Pilgrimage, Adventure, Culture, Nature, Heritage, Wildlife, Golf and Polo and many more. All these make a rich panorama. It's a land in the twilight of imagination and reality. It's a tourists' delight , anyway.

Though Northeastern region possesses rich history, culture and scenic beauty comparable to any other developed tourist spot of the country, very few foreign tourists of the world are exploring this region.

State-wise Domestic Tourist Visits in Northeast, (2005 to 2009):

Source : Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India.

State-wise Number of Foreign Tourist Visits in Northeast, (2007 and 2008):

Source : Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India.

State wise Major Tourist Places in Northeastern Region:

State-wise Number of Tourism Sites and Amount Sanctioned for Promotion of Rural Tourism Projects in NER, (2002-2007 and 2007-2012):

(Rs. in Lakh)

Source : Lok Sabha Starred Question No. 160, dated on 19.11.2010.

State-wise Number of Projects and Amount Sanctioned for Development of Tourism in NER, (2007-2008 to 2010-2011-Upto 30.09.2010):

(Rs. in Crore)

Source : Rajya Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1820, dated on 25.11.2010.

State/Project-wise Central Financial Assistance Provided for Development of Eco-Tourism in NER, (2006-2007 to 2008-2009):

(Rs. in Lakh)

Source : Press Information Bureau, Govt. of  India.