Assam has witnessed a strong rise in tourism over the past decade, welcoming more than six crore visitors, including over 2.4 lakh foreign tourists, Tourism Minister Ajanta Neog informed the Assembly.
Responding to a query raised by Congress MLA Rekibuddin Ahmed, the minister said that between 2016–17 and 2025–26, a total of 6,04,85,638 tourists visited the state. Of these, 2,41,192 were international travellers.
The data presented in the House showed a sharp recovery in tourism following the pandemic-induced slowdown. Tourist arrivals peaked in 2022–23, when 98,31,141 visitors, including 18,946 foreign tourists, travelled to the state after COVID-19 restrictions were eased.
In contrast, 2020–21 recorded the lowest tourist footfall during the decade, with only 13,52,037 visitors, including just 347 foreign tourists, as travel restrictions and health concerns brought the tourism sector to a near standstill.
Highlighting Assam's growing international appeal, Neog said the highest number of foreign tourists came from countries including the United Kingdom, France, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, the United States, Switzerland, Nepal, Bangladesh, Canada, Sri Lanka, Japan, Spain, Belgium and Israel.
The minister also informed the House that countries such as Australia and Japan, along with the 27-member European Union, have recently revised their travel advisories for Assam, reflecting growing global confidence in the state's law and order situation.
The figures underline Assam's emergence as a major tourism destination in the Northeast, driven by its rich biodiversity, cultural heritage, improved infrastructure and an enhanced perception of safety among international travellers.
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