Mizoram recorded more than 6.7 lakh visitors between January and August 2026, marking a 51 per cent increase compared to the corresponding period last year, Tourism Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar said on Tuesday.
Addressing a press conference in Aizawl, the minister attributed the growth to improved connectivity, particularly the inauguration of the Bairabi–Sairang railway line by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 13, 2025. Mizoram had recorded a 97 per cent increase in tourist arrivals between 2024 and 2025, he added.
With the festive season approaching, the Tourism Department expects visitor numbers to rise further and plans to promote the state’s natural landscapes, cultural heritage and distinctive Christmas traditions.
The Winter Festival 2026, scheduled for December 15–23 at Lammual in Aizawl, will be developed as a flagship umbrella event to position Mizoram as India’s winter tourism capital.
The festival will bring together government 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 festivals across the state.
Mizoram’s Christmas celebrations will be a major attraction, featuring a Christmas parade on December 23, community feasts, choir performances, carol singing and illuminated towns and churches. The department expects these traditions to distinguish Mizoram from other winter destinations while creating economic opportunities for local communities.
Other upcoming tourism events include the Leitlangpui Music Festival, scheduled for November 11–13 at Lena Stadium in Serkawn, Lunglei; Tlaizawng Paradise, also known as Cherry Blossom Paradise, at Phuaibuang on December 17–18; Sakawrhmuituai Sunset on December 31; and Chepa Nunchan at Darzo village on January 2, 2027.
Mizoram mobilises nearly ₹680 crore in tourism investments
Mizoram has mobilised nearly ₹680 crore in tourism investments since 2023, including 11 major projects sanctioned at a total cost of ₹608.38 crore, alongside progress on three legacy projects.
Major initiatives include a ₹250-crore project to develop iconic tourist facilities and attractions to international standards, the ₹127-crore PM Ekta Mall, a ₹99.71-crore conference centre at Thingsulthliah, and the ₹34.50-crore Vantawng View Aerial Ropeway project.
Five additional projects worth ₹19.90 crore have 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 alongside a homestay at Vanbawng.
Two projects worth ₹6.50 crore have also been sanctioned through corporate social responsibility funding. These cover a tourist facilitation centre in Aizawl and infrastructure development for community-based tourism.
The Tourism Department is prioritising community-based tourism to ensure that the benefits of the sector reach villages, farmers, artisans, homestay operators, self-help groups, youth organisations, vendors and local transport providers.
Under the Tourism Adopted Villages Initiative, all 40 Assembly constituencies are covered, with each legislator adopting a village for tourism-led development.
The Bana Kaih (Handholding) Homestay Scheme and PM-JUGA are supporting the development of 199 community homestays. Eligible tourism enterprises can also access interest-free, collateral-free loans of up to ₹20 lakh under the Bana Kaih Scheme.
The department has trained 124 youths as tourist guides and is working to improve service standards 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 agreement has also been signed with CYMA to sensitise tourists about local culture, customs and appropriate conduct.
Mizoram targets 20 lakh tourists annually by 2047
The state aims to increase annual tourist arrivals to 12 lakh by 2030 and 20 lakh by 2047.
Accommodation capacity is expected to expand from the current 2,000 rooms to 2,500 by 2030 and 5,000 by 2047.
Mizoram also plans to expand its Culture, Adventure and Nature (CAN) tourism circuits from the current two circuits covering seven destinations to four circuits covering 16 destinations by 2030, and 10 circuits covering 40 destinations by 2047.
The number of community homestays is targeted to increase from 112 to 200 by 2030 and 1,000 by 2047.
The department’s priorities include completing and operationalising sanctioned projects, strengthening tourism circuits, expanding homestays and local enterprises, improving skills and visitor safety, and developing an integrated digital tourism platform offering destination information, bookings, payments, virtual tours and visitor feedback.
The Tourism Department has advised visitors to engage recognised tour operators, travel agents or licensed guides to facilitate travel 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 through 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 generates employment, supports local livelihoods and preserves the state’s cultural and natural heritage.
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