Mizoram is striving for sustainability with the boom in tourism

AIZAWL

Improved connectivity, especially by rail, has helped Mizoram record a 51% increase in tourist arrivals between January and August 2026 over the same period in 2025.

The Lalduhoma state-led Zoram People’s Movement government projected 12 million tourists by 2030 and 20 million by 2047, fueled by community-based projects that are still the backbone of the growth story.

Tour operators said the 6.7 million tourists who visited Mizoram in the eight months of this year are less than 1% of what India generates.

Off to a late start, the Mizoram government is mindful of the downsides of tourism and prefers slower but steady growth.

“Mizoram has a lot to catch up with its northeastern neighbors in terms of tourism. But we want tourism that is safe for children, women and sustainable tourism where the community, culture and nature are protected,” Tourism Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar said during the three-day Mizoram Travel Fest in Aizawl on Tuesday (Oct 13, 2026).

He said the government has decided to collaborate with Mizoram University to conduct social and economic impact assessment studies on tourism.

Mr Hmar said tourism stakeholders in the state faced the challenge of promoting longer stays, driving visitors to destinations outside Aizawl and ensuring that tourism spending created opportunities for local businesses.

“For us, tourism is not just about bringing visitors to Mizoram. It is also about ensuring that the benefits go to the people who make Mizoram special. We want tourism to create opportunities for our communities, create livelihoods and encourage people to take pride in their own culture. We welcome visitors, as do investment and business in tourism. But we want this growth to be responsible and sustainable,” he said.

Mizoram has mobilized nearly ₹680 crore in tourism investment from 2023, including 11 major projects approved with an outlay of ₹608.38 crore. These include a ₹250 crore initiative to develop iconic tourism facilities and attractions, a ₹127 crore PM Ekta mall, a ₹99.71 crore conference center at Thingsulthliah and a ₹34.50 crore aerial cable car and related infrastructure project at Thenzawl-Buangpui.

In line with its long-term vision, Mizoram aims to expand accommodation capacity and develop 10 culture, adventure and nature circuits by 2047, connecting 40 destinations.

Published – 14 Oct 2026 13:12 IST