Scope Volume 14 Number 03 September 2024 518 www.scope-journal.com Cultural Heritage and Eco-friendly Tourism: Exploring the Indigenous Traditions of Northeast India Dr. Saswati Bordoloi 1 , Dr. Indrajit Dutta 2 1 Assistant Professor, Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), The Assam Royal Global University 2 Associate Professor, Travel and Tourism Management, The Assam Royal Global University Introduction Tourism is a major global industry with significant economic impacts, contributing approximately $8.9 trillion to global GDP in 2019, which represents about 10.3% of the total GDP. The sector also supports over 330 million jobs, or 10% of global employment (WTTC, 2020). This highlights tourism’s crucial role in economic development, particularly in areas rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage. Abstract: As global tourism continues to grow, there is a critical need to evolve beyond traditional leisure travel towards models that prioritize environmental sustainability. This is especially vital in regions like Northeast India, where tourism can impose significant stress on both ecological systems and cultural heritage. The principles of ecological wisdom, which advocate for conservation and sustainable management, are crucial for safeguarding these invaluable resources. This study investigates the current state of tourism in Northeast India through a comprehensive approach that includes literature review, field research, and consultations with local stakeholders. The research aims to identify and promote strategies for responsible tourism that minimize environmental impact and support biodiversity conservation. It also explores how eco-friendly tourism practices can aid in the preservation of the region’s diverse cultural heritage, with a particular focus on notable sites such as Kaziranga National Park, the living root bridges of Meghalaya, and the monasteries of Arunachal Pradesh. The findings emphasize the necessity for adopting sustainable tourism practices to protect Northeast India’s natural and cultural assets. Practical recommendations are offered for policymakers, tourism operators, and visitors, underscoring the importance of conservation and responsible tourism in fostering sustainable development. Keywords: Sustainable Tourism, Cultural Heritage, Eco-friendly Tourism, Indigenous Traditions, Northeast India, Conservation