443/2026-2027 

Aizawl, October 13: Mizoram Tourism Minister Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar on Tuesday, highlighted the State’s growing tourism sector, reporting more than 6.7 lakh visitors between January and August 2026, a 51 % increase compared to the corresponding period in 2025.

Addressing a press conference in Aizawl, the Minister attributed the rise in tourist arrivals to improved connectivity, particularly following the inauguration of the Bairabi–Sairang railway line by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 13, 2025. Mizoram had recorded 97 per cent growth in tourist arrivals between 2024 and 2025, the Minister stated.

The growth follows improved connectivity, particularly after the inauguration of the Bairabi–Sairang railway line by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 13, 2025. The State had recorded a 97 per cent growth in tourist arrivals between 2024 and 2025, signalling Mizoram’s emergence as an increasingly popular tourism destination in the Northeast.

With the festive season approaching, the Tourism Department anticipates a further increase in tourist inflow and is preparing to promote Mizoram’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and unique Christmas traditions to a wider audience.
The Winter Festival 2026, scheduled to be held from December 15 to 23 at Lammual, Aizawl, will be developed as a flagship umbrella event of the State Government to position Mizoram as the winter tourism capital of India. The festival will bring together various line departments, district administrations and community organisations to organise music and cultural programmes, food and craft fairs, agro-tourism activities, flower showcases, sports and adventure activities, and village-based festivals across the State.

A major highlight will be Mizoram’s distinctive Christmas celebrations, including the Christmas Parade on December 23, community feasts, choir performances, carol singing and illuminated towns and churches. These traditions are expected to offer visitors an experience that distinguishes Mizoram from other winter tourism destinations while generating economic opportunities for local communities.

Other upcoming tourism events include the Leitlangpui Music Festival, scheduled for November 11–13 at Lena Stadium, Serkawn, Lunglei; Tlaizawng Paradise (Cherry Blossom Paradise) at Phuaibuang on December 17–18; Sakawrhmuituai Sunset on December 31; and Chepa Nunchan at Darzo village on January 2, 2027.
Tourism investment gains momentum

Mizoram has mobilised nearly ₹680 crore in tourism investment since 2023, including 11 major new projects sanctioned with a total outlay of ₹608.38 crore, alongside progress on three legacy projects.
Among the major initiatives are the ₹250 crore project for developing iconic tourist facilities and attractions to global standards, the ₹127 crore PM Ekta Mall, the ₹99.71 crore Conference Centre at Thingsulthliah, and the Vantawng View Aerial Ropeway project worth ₹34.50 crore.

Five additional projects worth ₹19.90 crore have recently been approved under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme for 2026–27. These include an eco-tourism project at Lungleng, a tourist lodge at Khuangleng, an art gallery in Aizawl, a Tourism Hub and Knowledge Centre at MINECO, and an eco-tourism project at Rungdil with a homestay at Vanbawng.

Two projects worth ₹6.50 crore have also been sanctioned under corporate social responsibility funding, including a tourist facilitation centre in Aizawl and infrastructure development for community-based tourism.
Community-based tourism at the centre

The Tourism Department is placing emphasis on community-based tourism to ensure that the benefits of tourism reach villages, farmers, artisans, homestay operators, self-help groups, youth organisations, vendors and local transport providers.

The Tourism Adopted Villages Initiative covers all 40 Assembly constituencies, with one village adopted by each legislator for tourism-led development. Under the Bana Kaih (Handholding) Homestay Scheme and PM-JUGA, 199 community homestays are being developed, while eligible tourism enterprises can access interest-free, collateral-free loans of up to ₹20 lakh under the Bana Kaih Scheme.

The department has also trained 124 youths as tourist guides and is working to improve service quality across tourism establishments. A total of 1,542 Tourism Service Providers are registered under the Mizoram (Registration of Tourist Trade) Act, 2020.

To promote responsible tourism, the department has collaborated with the Mizoram State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, the Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA) and tourism service providers on child-safe tourism. An MoU has also been signed with CYMA to sensitise tourists about local culture, customs and appropriate conduct.
Tourism targets for 2030 and 2047

Mizoram’s tourism development targets include increasing annual tourist arrivals to 12 lakh by 2030 and 20 lakh by 2047. The State also aims to expand accommodation capacity from the current 2,000 rooms to 2,500 by 2030 and 5,000 by 2047.

The number of Culture, Adventure and Nature (CAN) tourism circuits is targeted to increase from two circuits covering seven destinations to four circuits covering 16 destinations by 2030, and 10 circuits covering 40 destinations by 2047. Community homestays are expected to grow from 112 to 200 by 2030 and 1,000 by 2047.

The department’s priorities include accelerating the completion and operationalisation of sanctioned projects, strengthening tourism circuits, expanding homestays and local enterprises, improving skills and visitor safety, and developing a unified digital tourism ecosystem covering destination information, bookings, payments, virtual tours and visitor feedback.

Visitors planning to travel to Mizoram are advised to engage recognised tour operators, travel agents or licensed guides to facilitate arrangements and local coordination. Information on approved tourism service providers is available at mizoramtourism.com/.

Indian citizens entering Mizoram are required to obtain an Inner Line Permit (ILP), which can be applied for online at ilp.mizoram.gov.in/ or obtained through designated offices and notified entry points. Foreign nationals are required to obtain a Protected Area Permit through the official e-FRRO portal.

Through improved connectivity, tourism infrastructure and community participation, Mizoram aims to build a sustainable tourism economy that creates employment, supports local livelihoods and preserves the State’s rich cultural and natural heritage.