Introduction

Tourism has long been one of the most powerful bridges between cultures, people, and economies. In recent years, Northeast India has emerged from the margins of the tourism map to becoming a sunrise player in the country’s hospitality and travel story.

The Turning Point

It was only in December 2014 that the Northeast saw its first five-star hotel open its doors. Within three years, two more followed. While this may seem late compared to other parts of the country, it marked a turning point. Since then, the region has steadily transformed. Today, with increased economic activity and rising tourist inflows, the hospitality sector in the Northeast is not just catching up but creating its own unique identity.

Growth in Numbers

Tourist footfall across the Northeast doubled in FY 2024-25.
States like Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim recorded over 100% growth, joining high-footfall states such as Assam and Meghalaya.
Improved air connectivity, better road networks, and upgraded airports have enabled travellers to reach destinations that once felt distant.
Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma projected that Guwahati will host 11 five-star hotels within the next three years, contributing directly to GDP growth and generating significant employment.

National Hospitality Context

This surge in interest is part of a larger national trend. Across India, the hospitality sector is witnessing robust expansion:

Investments are expected to reach USD 1 billion by 2028.
The industry is projected to touch nearly USD 60 billion in the same period (IDBI Capital).
Domestic travel is forecasted to grow from 2.5 billion trips in 2024 to 5.2 billion by 2030.
Revenue per available room (RevPAR) has seen strong growth, reflecting a demand-supply mismatch that benefits investors and operators alike.

Why the Northeast Stands Out

With its unparalleled natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and enhanced connectivity, the Northeast has the right ingredients to become a global tourism hub. For a new generation of travellers seeking immersive and experiential holidays, the region offers authenticity that goes far beyond conventional tourism.

Global Travel Shifts

The pandemic reshaped travel preferences, with wellness, sustainability, and cultural immersion taking precedence. Travelers now seek destinations that combine peace and authenticity with modern comforts.

In the Northeast, boutique properties and luxury stays are responding to this demand by blending local art, material, and cuisine with world-class service.

Example: Rhino & River, a wildlife retreat near Pobitora, offers “farm-to-table” dining, village walks, birding trails, and Brahmaputra boat rides.
Luxury properties such as Vivanta Shillong and Novotel Guwahati signal confidence in the region’s potential to attract upscale visitors while raising benchmarks of quality.

Beyond Leisure: Corporate & Spiritual Tourism

The story is not only about leisure. Corporate travel, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions), and spiritual tourism are also on the rise. The Northeast is increasingly hosting business gatherings and cultural events that once bypassed the region.

Employment & Community Impact

Hospitality is one of the most employment-intensive industries.

Every new hotel or resort creates hundreds of direct jobs and many more indirect opportunities in transportation, handicrafts, food supply chains, and local experiences.
For the youth of the Northeast, this sector represents not just jobs but also dignity of work and global exposure.

Sustainability Imperative

The Northeast is a biodiversity hotspot and home to fragile ecosystems. Tourism development must embrace sustainability through:

Eco-friendly design
Responsible sourcing
Community engagement

The goal should not be to replicate mass tourism models but to offer high-value, low-footprint experiences that benefit both travellers and local communities.

Conclusion

The Northeast today stands at a remarkable juncture. It is no longer a hidden corner of India but a vibrant region ready to welcome the world. With visionary policy support, growing investor confidence, and an evolving tourism landscape, the next decade could very well belong to the hospitality and tourism sector of the Northeast.

As someone deeply engaged in this sector, I see this not merely as an opportunity for business, but as an opportunity to reshape perceptions, create employment for thousands of young people, and give travellers memories that last a lifetime. The journey of tourism in the Northeast has just begun, and its future promises to be as diverse and extraordinary as the land itself.