Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday, 10 July announced that the state government has set a firm target of placing Assam among India's top 10 states in tourist arrivals, unveiling a clutch of measures in the 2026-27 Budget to overhaul tourism infrastructure and draw both domestic and international visitors. The announcements came shortly after Finance Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah presented the Budget in the Assam Legislative Assembly in Guwahati.

Where Assam Stands Today

The state currently records more than 76 lakh domestic tourist visits annually, a figure the government expects to rise substantially once improved connectivity and upgraded facilities are in place. Chief Minister Sarma described the sector's recent trajectory as one of 'remarkable growth', crediting both national and international visitors for choosing the state as a preferred destination.

'Assam's tourism sector is growing by leaps and bounds with the support of national and international patrons who are choosing Awesome Assam as their favourite destination. We are committed to further boost this sector,' Sarma said.

New Homestay Policy: Subsidy and Interest Relief

To deepen community-based tourism, the Budget introduces a dedicated Homestay Policy under which eligible beneficiaries will receive a 30 per cent capital subsidy and a 2 per cent interest subvention to establish homestay facilities. The initiative is designed to generate livelihoods in rural and semi-urban areas while offering visitors an immersive, locally rooted experience — a model that has driven tourism revenue in states such as Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim.

Notably, this marks Assam's first structured financial support mechanism specifically targeting the homestay segment, signalling a shift from purely infrastructure-led tourism policy toward community participation.

Five-Star Hotels Planned for Umrangso, Haflong and Manas

On the high-end side, the Budget proposes the development of five-star hotels in Umrangso, Haflong, and Manas — three destinations that span the state's diverse offerings, from the Dima Hasao hills to the globally recognised Manas National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The move is aimed at bridging the gap between Assam's natural appeal and the premium accommodation options that high-spending international travellers expect.

This comes amid a broader national push to position India's northeastern states as viable alternatives to Southeast Asian leisure destinations, with the Centre having stepped up infrastructure spending in the region over the past three years.

Broader Economic Strategy

Tourism is being positioned as a pillar of Assam's economic diversification, with the government framing it as a driver of employment, sustainable development, and cultural preservation. The proposals align with the state's stated ambition of developing world-class infrastructure while safeguarding its wildlife corridors, river ecosystems, and indigenous heritage.

With the 2026-27 Budget committing to both grassroots homestay support and luxury hotel development simultaneously, Assam is betting on a dual-track approach — widening the visitor base at the bottom while raising the revenue ceiling at the top. Whether execution matches ambition will depend on how swiftly the Homestay Policy guidelines are notified and private investors are brought on board for the five-star projects.