Guwahati: The Assam government has outlined a broad tourism expansion strategy in the 2026-27 Budget, combining financial support for homestays, incentives for premium hotels and stronger international connectivity to attract more visitors.
A key target of the plan is to place Assam among the top 10 Indian states for tourist arrivals, Finance Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah said while presenting the Budget in the Legislative Assembly on Thursday.
More than 76 lakh domestic travellers already visit Assam every year, making it the Northeast’s biggest tourism market, according to the Budget document.
To build on that growth, the government will introduce a Homestay Policy offering eligible centrally registered homestays a 30 per cent capital subsidy, 2 per cent interest support, digital assistance and promotional backing to help market the state’s cultural and natural attractions.
The hospitality sector will also receive a boost through the proposed construction of five-star hotels at Umrangso, Haflong and Manas. Eligible investors will qualify for State GST reimbursement, capital assistance and interest benefits under the applicable policy framework.
Baruah said recent decisions by Australia, Japan and the 27 member nations of the European Union to relax travel advisories reflect improving international confidence in Assam as a tourist destination.
He added that direct air services linking Guwahati with Dubai and Abu Dhabi, along with existing international connections to Thailand, Singapore and Bhutan, are expected to improve access to the state while creating fresh opportunities for tourism, business and investment.
According to the government, the package of incentives is intended to draw leading hotel brands and private investors, generate employment and further strengthen Assam’s tourism sector.