Northeast India's Tourism Boom: A New Frontier for Travel Enthusiasts

EaseMyTrip co-founder Rikant Pittie discusses the tourism surge in Northeast India with Meghalaya's Chief Minister and Tripura's leader. Highlighting the region's growth in tourism, Pittie emphasizes the appeal of offbeat and authentic travel experiences, fostering a promising frontier for the hospitality sector.

In a significant meeting, Rikant Pittie, co-founder of the online travel platform EaseMyTrip.com, engaged in discussions with Conrad Sangma, the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, and Pradyot Bikram Manikya Deb Barma, a Tripura leader and erstwhile royal. The focus was on exploring the untapped tourism potential and recent growth trends in the northeast region of India. Pittie highlighted on LinkedIn that EaseMyTrip has seen its bookings to the northeastern states more than double over the past year, reflecting a substantial rise in interest among travelers.

The state of Meghalaya celebrated a milestone by welcoming a record-breaking 16 lakh tourists in 2024, marking its highest tourism footfall to date. Meanwhile, Tripura experienced a surge in visitors, climbing to 7.60 lakh from 5.29 lakh in 2018. Pittie noted a trend where travelers are increasingly drawn to offbeat destinations, seeking authentic cultural experiences beyond traditional tourist pathways.

Destinations such as Shillong, Cherrapunji, and Dawki have emerged as some of the fastest-growing routes, according to Pittie. The strategic visions of Northeastern leaders align seamlessly with what the tourism industry observes: travelers looking for genuine, offbeat experiences. Pittie concluded that the next wave of tourism in the Northeast would focus on connecting the region's cultural richness, culinary heritage, and sustainable travel technology, urging entrepreneurs to join in leveraging this opportunity.

(With inputs from agencies.)