Guwahati, April 2: Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve has set a new benchmark in global tourism, witnessing an all-time high in visitor footfall for the fiscal year 2024-25. With over 4.06 lakh tourists, including nearly 17,700 international visitors, the UNESCO World Heritage Site continues to captivate wildlife enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and conservationists from across the globe.
Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and the world’s largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses, Kaziranga has cemented itself as a top-tier destination. Over the past decade, tourism in the park has grown fourfold, contributing a record-breaking ₹10.9 crore to Assam’s economy, a nearly fourfold increase from ₹2.85 crore in 2014-15. Notably, foreign tourists now make up 4.5% of the total visitors, showcasing Kaziranga’s rising international appeal.
Kaziranga’s increasing prominence was reinforced by high-profile visits from global leaders. Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck’s visit in recent years was a historic moment for the park. On March 9, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first-ever Prime Minister to visit Kaziranga since it attained national park status in 1974. Adding to its diplomatic significance, External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar led a delegation of 60 foreign Heads of Mission to the park on February 24, 2025, as part of the Advantage Assam 2.0 initiative.
The New York Times also featured Assam and Kaziranga among its “Must-See” global destinations, further amplifying the region’s tourism potential. The Assam government, under Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, has been instrumental in promoting eco-friendly tourism, introducing incentives for electric safari vehicles to minimize environmental impact.
Kaziranga’s global presence was highlighted when it hosted the 12th International Tourism Mart from November 26-29, 2024. This event underscored the park’s role in driving sustainable tourism and conservation efforts worldwide. Additionally, the park played a key role in the Advantage Assam Summit, focusing on skill development and specialized training for conservation-based tourism.
Several innovative tourism initiatives launched in 2025 have significantly contributed to the park’s growing popularity including, Bird Safari in Panbari (Eastern Assam Wildlife Division), Cycling Expeditions in Kohora and Panpur Jeep Safari & Boat Safari (Biswanath Wildlife Division).
These eco-tourism experiences have enriched visitor engagement, blending adventure with conservation awareness. Moreover, Kaziranga Staff Welfare Society’s Eco-Shops have introduced curated souvenirs and local handicrafts, offering tourists a tangible memory of their visit while supporting local artisans.
With the surge in tourism, local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and handicraft shops, have seen unprecedented growth. The boom has also opened new avenues for public-private partnerships, strengthening the region’s economic landscape.
With strategic government policies, sustainable tourism efforts, and increasing global recognition, Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve is poised to reach even greater heights in the coming years, reinforcing Assam’s position as a premier global tourism destination.
