Tea Tourism: Evaluating Prospects and Problems of Tea Tourism in Assam, North East India

Tea Tourism is emerging as a new form of niche tourism in India, especially in the northeastern part of the country. A serene landscape in tea gardens is perhaps the most exotic and innovative way to enjoy nature. Tea tourism is emerging as a new type of sustainable cultural tourism where less research has been done. This study attempts to evaluate the prospects of tea gardens and their related products to attract inbound and domestic tourists in Assam, the largest tea-producing state of India. Problems of tea tourism in the study area are also discussed here and necessary suggestions have been given for maintaining its sustainability. Various activities associated with tea tourism destinations and their importance as tour components are also highlighted here. The findings of this study revealed that demographic factors, cultural backgrounds, amenities and activities available in the destinations, eco-friendly practices, etc. are important to understanding the prospects and problems of tea tourism in the form of SWOT analysis in study area.