
Global Tourism Evolves: From Assam's Ropeways to North Korea's Beach Resort
Safety on mountain trails stressed
Beach resorts emerge
In a series of developments across the globe, the tourism industry is witnessing significant changes, from infrastructure improvements to new attractions and safety measures.
In Assam, India, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced plans for two ropeway projects connecting the Kamakhya temple atop Nilachal Hills [1][2]. "A ropeway will be constructed from Kamakhya station to Kamakhya temple and another from Sonaram field to Kamakhya temple," Sarma stated [3]. The projects aim to enhance accessibility and reduce travel time for devotees and tourists [4].
Meanwhile, Indonesia's Tourism Ministry has urged stricter adherence to safety protocols following the tragic death of Brazilian tourist Juliana Marins while hiking in Mount Rinjani National Park [5]. Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana emphasized, "Adherence to this procedure is not merely a formality, but is the primary bulwark in minimizing fatal incidents" [6]. The ministry now requires visitors to use only licensed operators and certified guides for extreme activities [7].
In Sabah, Malaysia, preparations are underway for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and Explore Sabah 2026/2027. State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew highlighted the focus on Community-Based Tourism (CBT) to showcase authentic, inclusive, and impactful experiences [8]. "Tourism should focus on value rather than volume. We do not want over-tourism," Liew cautioned [9][10].
North Korea has made a bold move in tourism development with the opening of the Wonsan-Kalma Beach Resort on its eastern coast. The resort, inaugurated by Kim Jong Un, can host nearly 20,000 guests and includes waterparks and high-rise hotels [11]. State media described it as a "national treasure-level tourism city" [12]. However, the resort's accessibility to international tourists remains unclear [13].
In Malaysia's Selangor state, a 500 million ringgit (118.2 million USD) integrated hub project for seafood production, maritime services, and sustainable tourism has been launched. Chief Minister Amirudin Shari stated, "It is about unlocking long-term value through infrastructure that empowers people, sustains livelihoods, and positions Selangor as a state that leaves no region behind" [14][15].
These developments reflect a global trend towards enhancing tourism infrastructure, prioritizing safety, promoting sustainable and community-based tourism, and creating new attractions to boost local economies.