Ministry of Tourism actively promotes the development of tourism in the North Eastern Region (NER) of India

The development of tourism in the North Eastern Region (NER) of India is being actively promoted by the Ministry of Tourism through a mix of infrastructure projects, cultural initiatives, and connectivity improvements. Here are the key highlights from the latest government updates:

Major Initiatives
- International Tourism Mart (ITM):
Held annually since 2013, ITM showcases the tourism potential of all eight NE states (Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim). The 2025 edition was hosted in Gangtok, Sikkim.

- Incredible India Digital Platform (IIDP):
Revamped in 2024 to highlight NE destinations across web and social media, available in Hindi, English, and UN languages.

- Promotional Campaigns:
Regular creative posts, live sessions, and promotional materials spotlight NE festivals, landscapes, and cultural heritage.

Financial Support
- Fairs & Festivals:
Central assistance is provided to state governments for organizing cultural events like Hornbill Festival (Nagaland), Sangai Festival (Manipur), Wangala Dance Festival (Meghalaya), and Chapchar Kut (Mizoram).

- Swadesh Darshan 2.0:
Focuses on sustainable and responsible tourism. Projects include:
- Nacho Expedition (Arunachal Pradesh)
- Kokrajhar Wetland Experience (Assam)
- Sohra Waterfall Trails (Meghalaya)
- Eco Resort Experience at Champhai (Mizoram)

- PRASHAD Scheme:
Funds pilgrimage and heritage tourism projects, e.g., Kamakhya Temple (Assam), Parshuram Kund (Arunachal Pradesh), and Tripura Sundari Temple (Tripura).

Connectivity & Infrastructure
- RCS-UDAN Scheme:
Affordable regional air travel with NE-specific routes like Dibrugarh–Dimapur, Imphal–Dimapur, Agartala–Aizawl, and Guwahati–Hollongi.

- SASCI Scheme:
Capital investment projects such as:
- Loktak Lake Experience (Manipur)
- Redevelopment of Umiam Lake (Meghalaya)
- Skywalk at Bhaleydhunga, Namchi (Sikkim)

- Tourism Infrastructure Development:
Includes eco-tourism parks, cultural centers, and heritage villages across NE states.

Sustainability & Cleanliness
- Swachhta Action Plan (SAP):
Awareness programs on cleanliness conducted in tourist destinations.
In 2024–25, over 173 SAP activities and 277 Swachhta Pakhwada events were organized in NE states.

✨ In short, the government is combining cultural promotion, infrastructure development, and improved connectivity to position the North East as a major tourism hub for both domestic and international travelers.