Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday emphasized the state’s efforts to counter “restricted” travel advisories issued by several countries for the Northeast region. Speaking at the 12th International Tourism Mart (ITM), Sarma revealed ongoing engagements with foreign envoys to reshape global perceptions about the region’s safety and tourism potential.”Many countries, including the US and Japan, still categorize the Northeast as restricted for travel. While Assam has been peaceful for the last 4-5 years, these outdated advisories hurt tourism. We are in continuous dialogue with embassies to change this,” Sarma said.
Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who joined Sarma at the event, urged media and bloggers to dismantle “false narratives” about the region. “The Northeast is a hidden gem, offering unmatched diversity. Tourists visiting ITM will see its beauty and peace, helping dispel misconceptions,” he stated. Sarma downplayed concerns about the impact of Manipur’s ethnic violence on Assam’s tourism, asserting the state’s geographical and cultural distinction. “Linking Manipur’s incidents to Kaziranga is unfair. Assam recorded 10 lakh tourists last year, including nearly 28,000 foreign visitors,” he noted.
Both leaders stressed infrastructure development, with Sarma highlighting ongoing road projects and Shekhawat announcing visa relaxations. Sarma also proposed a central tourism museum to promote the Northeast as a unified circuit, eyeing a significant boost in tourism over the next decade.
