Drawing interest from international travellers in Europe, US, & Southeast Asia.
Northeast India has emerged as a burgeoning hotspot in the global tourism landscape, with its unmatched cultural diversity, pristine natural beauty, and unique experiences. However, with rising popularity comes pressing questions. Is the Northeast prepared for the influx of travelers? Can the region strike a balance between welcoming tourism and preserving its delicate ecological and cultural heritage?
T3 talks to Himangshu Baruah, Founder & CEO – Finderbridge Tourism, to explore how the region is responding to its newfound global spotlight. Finderbridge Tourism is a destination management company specializing in travel and tourism services across Northeast India.
Baruah expressed that the Northeastern region experienced a significant boost in tourism in 2024, spurred by increased domestic interest and growing international awareness. Revealing tourist arrival numbers, Baruah shared that while domestic tourists still account for the majority (approximately 75-80%), there is a noticeable increase in international travellers, particularly from Europe, the US, and Southeast Asia. For 2025, growth is expected to accelerate, with a projected 20-25% increase in overall tourist numbers.
He also shared that cultural tourism, music festivals, wildlife tourism, adventure tourism, and spiritual retreats are capturing tourists’ imagination. In addition, events such as the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland, Cherry Blossom Festival in Meghalaya, Ziro Music Festival in Arunachal Pradesh, and Kaziranga National Park’s safaris are high on demand.
Some of the emerging travel experiences that he indicated are homestays offering authentic tribal experiences; culinary tours featuring indigenous cuisines; birdwatching trails in Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh; and offbeat Himalayan treks of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim. Baruah also highlighted offbeat destinations such as Dibang Valley, Menchuka, Khaddum, South West Khasi Hills and Dong, that are gaining traction. In addition, exploring Konyak Headhunters of Nagaland and Apatani Tribe of Ziro Valley, is also on rise.
When asked if the region is adequately prepared to handle the increasing interest Baruah noted that while infrastructure has improved, there remains a gap between current capabilities and projected demand. “Connectivity within the region, especially to remote destinations and inventory management needs enhancement”, expressed Baruah. Baruah also expressed that initiatives like the Swadesh Darshan Scheme and the North East Road Development Project are steps in the right direction. Besides, policies emphasizing community participation and ecotourism guidelines are critical to the growth of the region.
Highlighting the challenges, Baruah emphasized the importance and need of balancing growth with ecological and cultural preservation. Additionally, he stressed the critical need to address capacity constraints in waste management and accommodation during peak seasons. Moreover, training local stakeholders to provide professional services while preserving cultural authenticity remains a challenge for the region.
According to Baruah, local communities largely view tourism as a growth opportunity, especially when it brings employment, infrastructure, and income. “However, concerns about cultural dilution and environmental degradation persist. Transparent community involvement, revenue-sharing models, and educational programs are key to fostering a balanced approach”, added Baruah.