Imphal, September 27 (Daily Kiran) : Chief Minister N. Biren Singh announced on Sunday that ethnic violence has led to a drastic decline in tourism in Manipur. Speaking at an event in Bishnupur district, he noted that prior to the unrest in 2023, around 175,000 tourists visited the state, surpassing numbers in neighboring Mizoram.
Currently, Mizoram has seen its tourist count exceed 800,000, significantly boosting its revenue while Manipur struggles with reduced visitor numbers due to ongoing ethnic tensions. Singh pointed out that peaceful states like Sikkim attract over 1.7 million tourists annually, attributing this success to stable law and order.
He emphasized that without a peaceful environment, tourists will avoid Manipur. The Chief Minister acknowledged that the tourism sector is suffering due to the current law-and-order situation, stating that restoring peace requires collective efforts from all stakeholders, not just government action.
Moreover, Singh stressed that merely beautifying tourist sites is insufficient. There is a pressing need to improve overall travel experiences and facilities for international tourists visiting Manipur. Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla added that the true strength of Manipur’s tourism lies in its landscapes and communities, not just its monuments.
He highlighted that the unique lifestyle and hospitality traditions of the local people are integral to genuine tourism. This year’s World Tourism Day theme is particularly relevant as technology transforms how people discover, experience, and share travel destinations. The governor noted that this presents significant opportunities for Manipur, and the government is actively promoting homestays, empowering local families to convert their homes into tourist accommodations to ensure that tourism revenue benefits the grassroots.
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