Tourism Takes a Hit as Foreign Nations Restrict Travel
Six countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Switzerland, have imposed travel restrictions on Assam and other northeastern states due to concerns over the law and order situation in the region. This move has led to a decline in the number of foreign tourists, affecting Assam’s tourism industry significantly.
According to official figures, the number of tourists in 2023-24 was 70,67,335, which dropped to 67,88,565 in 2024-25 (until January).
Assam Minister Addresses Travel Ban in Assembly
Assam’s Tourism Minister Ranjit Kumar Das informed the state assembly about the travel restrictions, citing a response to a question posed by Congress MLA Rekibuddin Ahmed. He confirmed that these six countries have officially advised their citizens against traveling to Assam and the rest of the Northeast.
The minister assured that the Assam government, along with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), is actively engaging with foreign officials to reconsider and lift these travel advisories. A high-level delegation from Australia recently visited Assam to evaluate the situation.
Sharp Decline in Tourist Footfall
Assam has witnessed a steady decline in tourism numbers over the last three years:
2022-23: 98,31,141 tourists
2023-24: 70,67,335 tourists
2024-25 (Till January): 67,88,565 tourists
The drop in visitors is a cause for concern, as tourism plays a crucial role in Assam’s economy, particularly in sectors like wildlife tourism, tea tourism, and heritage tourism.
Assam’s Efforts to Promote Tea Tourism
To counter the decline and boost tourism, the Assam government has launched the Tea Tourism Infrastructure Promotion and Development Scheme in 2022-23. Under this initiative:
Selected tea gardens will receive a ₹2 crore grant for developing tourism infrastructure.
Heritage tea bungalows will be restored to attract more visitors.
The government aims to position Assam as a premier tea tourism destination internationally.
Conclusion: A Call for Global Cooperation
The travel restrictions imposed by foreign nations pose a significant challenge to Assam’s tourism industry. However, efforts by the state government and diplomatic outreach to foreign officials could help reverse these advisories. With continued focus on tourism promotion, infrastructure development, and law enforcement improvements, Assam aims to regain its standing as a must-visit travel destination.
