Guwahati: The visiting team from the eight states, along with Invest India, presented a session on 'Tourism Opportunities in the Northeast' as part of the Northeast fortnight at the India Pavilion at EXPO2020 Dubai. In addition to highlighting the uniqueness of the region, the event brought attention to the significant tourism prospects available in India's eight northeastern (NE) states.

During the conference, the participating states showcased their natural assets as well as policy initiatives that have helped to grow the northeastern Indian tourism industry. The speakers highlighted the region's combined assets, such as connectivity with ASEAN, the BBIN, and Southeast Asia. The Trilateral Highway, the Kaladan Multimodal Project, the Trans Asian Railway, and the current effort to establish riverine connectivity with Bangladesh will all bring significant benefits to the states. Once completed, these initiatives will transform the Northeast into a significant Asian connectivity hub.

Ms. Sherry Lalthangzo, IES Economic Advisor, North Eastern Council, said, "EXPO2020 Dubai has provided us with a global platform to showcase the unique attributes of Northeastern states. It is our goal to attract tourists from all over the world since the region offers rejuvenation and the opportunity to see nature in its natural state. Infrastructure development and the development of various forms of tourism are examples of potential investments. "We are thrilled to be hosting Northeast Week and would like to invite investors to participate."

Apart from the world-renowned Kaziranga National Park, heritage sites, and gastronomic experiences, the state of Assam also caters to the niche market of medical tourism. Furthermore, its improved connection with the rest of India and Bangladesh provides a possibility for the sector to grow quickly.

"We take enormous delight in representing our states at EXPO2020, and the session is vital to highlight the potential of our region," Shri Chandramohan Patowary, Minister of Industries and Commerce, Government of Assam, remarked on Assam's tourism potential. PM Shri Narendra Modi has aided the general development of the region by enacting measures that have considerably accelerated state growth. The states are now focusing heavily on tourism, from enhancing infrastructure and connectivity to enabling investments in hotels and resorts, among other things. We urge all investors from around the world to come to see the beauty of northeast India and join us in our growth."

Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, Sikkim, Mizoram, and Meghalaya, in addition to Assam, emphasised significant prospects in the tourist sector in their respective states and asked global investors to engage in the region.

Arunachal Pradesh offers natural beauty as well as adventure, cultural, and eco-tourism opportunities. It also provides opportunities in the field of religious tourism.

Manipur has dense forest cover and a plethora of hiking trails. The 2014 Manipur Tourism Policy aims to maximise the state's Eco-Village and Adventure Tourism potential.

The Hornbill Festival (Kisama village) is a global tourist attraction that showcases the spectacular diversity and extravagance of Naga culture. Nagaland is known as the "Falcon Capital of the World."