Northeast India represents one of the country’s most compelling frontiers for tourism development and despite its exceptional natural beauty, cultural diversity, and strategic location, the region remains underrepresented in India’s tourism narrative.

In 2024, it accounted for just 0.43% of domestic and 1.17% of foreign tourist visits, underscoring its vast untapped potential.

Encouragingly, several positive trends signal change. The region is undergoing a transformation driven by unprecedented infrastructure investments.

Road, rail, and air connectivity have improved significantly over the past decade through initiatives such as UDAN, Swadesh Darshan 2.0, and cross-border projects that have shortened travel times and opened up previously remote destinations. These advances are beginning to enhance both visitor arrivals and investor confidence.

At the state level, governments have introduced progressive tourism policies emphasizing sustainability, community participation, and private sector collaboration.

Assam, Sikkim, Meghalaya, and Nagaland, among others, are focusing on niche opportunities including ecological, adventure, wellness, cultural, and tea tourism. However, implementation gaps, uneven private investment, and fragmented marketing continue to constrain growth, highlighting the need for a coordinated regional strategy.

Source: Freepik

The Northeast is also gaining greater visibility on the global stage. Assam’s inclusion in the New York Times' “52 Places to Go in 2025” reflects growing recognition of the region’s appeal. Its biodiversity, spiritual heritage, and cultural richness align with the global shift toward authentic and responsible travel.

For India, the Northeast holds not only tourism value but also geopolitical importance as a bridge to Southeast Asia, reinforcing the need to integrate tourism into broader economic and diplomatic priorities.

This report, Northeast India: A Hidden Gem for Tourism Potential, has two key objectives. First, to present a data-driven overview of the region’s tourism and hospitality landscape, including demand patterns, branded hotel presence, infrastructure development, and policy frameworks.

Second, to chart a forward-looking roadmap that balances economic opportunity with sustainability, inclusivity, and cultural preservation. It also draws lessons from states like Gujarat, Kerala, and Rajasthan, which transformed their tourism sectors through branding, partnerships, and diversification.

We hope the insights within this report serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, investors, developers, and local stakeholders.

As India enters a new phase of travel and hospitality growth, the Northeast stands at a decisive inflection point - poised to evolve from a niche destination into a mainstream, globally competitive tourism hub grounded in sustainability, culture, and community-driven progress.

Akash Datta, HVS Senior Vice President - Consulting and Valuation, leads consulting engagements, encompassing market studies, feasibility studies, strategic planning, valuation, and forecasting. Akash has spent nearly 13 years in the hospitality industry having successfully worked with International Hotel and Consulting firms such as Hilton, JLL and HVS in South Asia and the Middle East. In 2005, Akash started his Consulting career with HVS as an analyst following which he undertook his MBA in International Hospitality Management with concentration in Real Estate Finance from IMHI ESSEC in Paris, France. Known for his industry insights, Akash works with leading companies, private clients, industry groups, and global networks. Contact Akash at +91 989 9517 404 or adatta@hvs.com

Dipti Mohan, Vice President - Research with HVS South Asia, is a seasoned knowledge professional with extensive experience in research-based content creation. She has authored several ‘point of view’ documents such as thought leadership reports, expert opinion articles, white papers, and research reports across industries including hospitality, real estate, infrastructure, cement, and construction. Contact Dipti at dipti.mohan@hvsanarock.com

Dhwani Gupta, Associate - Research with HVS South Asia, studied literature for her undergraduate and believes that you can do anything with the right amount of research. After graduating, she pursued a course in Management and Liberal Arts which gave her a wider perspective of the world. As a result, the more difficult a topic is, the more fun she has writing it. Contact Dhwani at dgupta@hvs.com