GUWAHATI | Assam Tourism Minister Ajanta Neog on Sunday announced that the state government will prepare a five-year master plan to accelerate tourism development, with Dima Hasao identified as one of the key destinations.

Neog made the announcement while addressing the World Tourism Day 2026 celebrations organised by the Assam Tourism Department in collaboration with Dima Hasao Tourism at the New Tambung Golf Course in Dima Hasao.

Under the proposed master plan, the government will focus on developing new destinations, strengthening existing tourism circuits and improving infrastructure and connectivity across the state.

Neog said Dima Hasao would be developed as a significant destination on Assam’s tourism map. The government also plans to establish several tourism circuits over the next five years by connecting multiple destinations and creating integrated travel routes.

The minister stressed that better connectivity, a stable law-and-order environment and supportive government policies would be crucial to expanding Assam’s tourism sector.

She said the state would also work towards strengthening its tourism policy to unlock the potential of destinations across different regions.

“Tourism has no fixed definition,” Neog said, highlighting the need to identify and develop the distinctive natural and cultural features of different areas through planning, innovation and community participation.

Referring to the landscape of Umrangso, the minister described it as the “Switzerland of the Northeast” and said Dima Hasao had the potential to emerge as a major tourism destination in Assam.

Neog also stressed the importance of local participation in the sector. She urged residents to register their existing homestays online and encouraged more people to establish homestays to cater to visitors.

According to the minister, greater community participation could create livelihood opportunities while ensuring that tourism generates economic benefits for local communities.

Invoking the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, Neog underlined the importance of hospitality and meaningful engagement between visitors and local communities.

The World Tourism Day programme was attended by Dima Hasao Autonomous Council Chief Executive Member Debolal Gorlosa, Haflong MLA Rupali Langthasa, Tourism Department Commissioner and Secretary Diganta Bora, Assam Tourism Development Corporation Chairman Ranoj Kumar Barkataki, Tourism Director Rituparna Bora and senior officials of the Tourism Department.

Representatives of Dima Hasao Tourism and the Dima Hasao Autonomous Council were also present.