Conservation meets tourism as Assam wildlife destinations see rise in visitors Assam's major wildlife sanctuaries have recorded a steady surge in tourist footfall during the 2025-26 period. Environment and Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah highlighted this growth on World Tourism Day, noting increased visitors across Kaziranga, Manas, and Pobitora. Major wildlife destinations across Assam have documented a consistent upward trajectory in tourist arrivals, with Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary all welcoming higher numbers of visitors during the 2025-26 season. Environment and Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah spotlighted these encouraging figures during World Tourism Day celebrations, pointing out how ecological preservation and visitor engagement are successfully going hand in hand across the state. Surge in Kaziranga National Park Visitors According to the data released by the minister, Kaziranga drew a total of 4.58 lakh visitors in 2025-26, marking a notable increase from the 4.22 lakh tourists who visited during the preceding year. Tourism within Kaziranga is no longer confined strictly to traditional wildlife safaris. The landscape now offers diverse experiences including nature trails, cycling paths, eco-friendly stays, ethnic dining spots, and boat safaris, allowing travellers to experience the wider geographical expanse of the region. Growth at Manas and Pobitora Sanctuaries Manas National Park has likewise registered a steady rise in tourist numbers, climbing from 52,962 visitors in the 2021-22 period up to 63,723 visitors in 2025-26. Mallabaruah specifically noted a remarkable increase in international travellers visiting Manas National Park. Meanwhile, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, celebrated for its robust biodiversity and significant population of one-horned rhinoceroses, welcomed 35,371 visitors in 2025-26, steadily establishing itself as a premier nature tourism hub. Fostering Conservation and Livelihoods State authorities are placing their primary focus on conservation-first tourism initiatives, extending tourism activities beyond park gates by engaging local youth as certified guides, operating community-run homestays, and managing jeep safaris. Mallabaruah emphasized that their core objective remains straightforward: tourism must strengthen conservation efforts, and conservation must generate tangible livelihood opportunities for communities residing adjacent to the forests. What this means for you The steady rise in tourist footfall across Assam's wildlife reserves directly stimulates local economies and expands livelihood opportunities for fringe communities. • In Assam: Local youths residing near forest fringes gain direct employment opportunities as nature guides, homestay hosts, and jeep safari operators. • For Travellers: Visitors enjoy expanded recreational options that now extend beyond traditional vehicle safaris to include cycling trails and boat excursions. • Local Economy: The proliferation of eco-stays and ethnic dining spots strengthens tourism-driven micro-enterprises in rural districts. • Conservation Impact: Increased visitor engagement generates vital public support and financial resources dedicated to regional wildlife protection. Why this happened The sustained growth in visitor numbers stems from concerted administrative efforts to diversify regional tourism offerings beyond conventional boundaries. • Policy Shift: Authorities implemented a conservation-first tourism model designed to directly integrate forest-fringe populations into the tourism economy. • Infrastructure Expansion: The introduction of new amenities such as eco-stays, boat safaris, and nature trails successfully attracted broader demographics of travellers. • Community Integration: Involving local residents as trained guides and safari operators created sustainable livelihoods that encourage positive regional engagement. Questions & Answers 1. How many visitors did Kaziranga National Park receive in 2025-26? Kaziranga National Park welcomed a total of 4.58 lakh visitors during the 2025-26 period. 2. What was the tourist footfall at Manas National Park in 2025-26? Manas National Park recorded 63,723 visitors in 2025-26, up from 52,962 visitors in 2021-22. 3. How many people visited Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in 2025-26? Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary recorded 35,371 visitors during the 2025-26 season. 4. What new activities are being offered to tourists in Assam's wildlife parks? Parks now offer nature and cycling trails, eco-stays, ethnic restaurants, and boat safaris alongside traditional safaris. 5. What is the primary goal of Assam's current tourism strategy? The core aim is to ensure that tourism strengthens conservation efforts while creating direct economic opportunities for local communities. https://trendkia.com/en/assam/conservation-meets-tourism-as-assam-wildlife-destinations-see-rise-in-visitors-39447 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.