Assam's Mayong Pobitora tourism board unveiled a new integrated tourism strategy on September 27, 2026, highlighting rhino conservation.
The board announced that poaching incidents in the Pabitora Wildlife Sanctuary fell 40% last year, a figure verified by the Assam Forest Department. Joydeep Gupta, co‑founder of Mystic Mayong, said the decline gives the region a stronger platform to attract eco‑tourists while protecting its most iconic species.
Yet, the area remains famed for its mystic folklore, which locals say is an untapped asset. Utpal Nath, a noted intellectual from Mayong, stressed that weaving tales of traditional magic and indigenous practices into visitor itineraries could create a unique cultural circuit beside the rhino trails.
The board’s master plan calls for a phased pilot launch in early 2027, beginning with a 12‑week community‑run homestay program that will test bundled wildlife and cultural experiences. Officials say the initiative will generate new income streams for 3,800 residents within the two districts, and a ministerial review is scheduled for March 2027 to assess progress.