Mizoram aims to increase tourism’s contribution to its Gross State Domestic Product from 2.3% to between 5% and 7% by 2047, while targeting at least 10 lakh visitors by the end of 2026, Chief Minister Lalduhoma said at the Mizoram Travel Fest in Aizawl.
The state recorded more than 6.7 lakh visitors between January and August, a 51% increase over the corresponding period in 2025. The latest target would take annual tourist arrivals to roughly the size of Mizoram’s population, Tourism Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar said.
Lalduhoma said the government was expanding tourism infrastructure to meet rising demand and invite greater private-sector participation. More than Rs 681.16 crore of tourism projects are currently under execution with support from the Centre and external partners.
The projects include eco-resorts, ropeways, heritage centres, pilgrimage circuits and convention facilities. The chief minister said Mizoram’s cleanliness, peaceful environment, civic sense and safety of women were existing social strengths, while infrastructure development would help the state serve more visitors.
Improved connectivity has become a key part of the tourism expansion. The opening of the Bairabi-Sairang railway line in September 2025 has made Mizoram more accessible, according to the state government. Officials said visitor demand was now exceeding the facilities available to accommodate and serve tourists.
The Tourism Department’s proposed strategy seeks to connect destinations with accommodation, transport, trained personnel and bookable experiences. The stated aim is to ensure that spending by visitors reaches local businesses and communities rather than remaining concentrated in a limited number of tourism hubs.
Hmar said tourism growth should be assessed not only through visitor numbers but also by the income and employment generated for local communities. The department is promoting events across the year to spread arrivals beyond peak periods. Upcoming events include Hnahsin Kut in Champhai, the Leitlangpui Music Festival in Lunglei from November 11 to 13, and the Aizawl Winter Festival from December 15 to 23.
Mizoram’s tourism plans are also tied to its environmental and cultural assets. The state has identified its 85.34% forest cover, biodiversity, waterfalls, landscapes and living Mizo culture as key attractions. Officials said growth would need to protect these assets while improving visitor facilities.
Tourism Commissioner and Secretary Lalrozama said the increase in arrivals and shortage of facilities created opportunities for responsible investment. The government is examining private-sector participation, community enterprises and public-private partnerships to expand capacity.
The Tourism Department has signed an agreement with the Central Young Mizo Association to familiarise visitors with local customs. The department and the Aizawl Municipal Corporation also plan to improve accommodation regulation and monitoring, while reducing plastic waste at festivals.
Lalduhoma said Mizoram’s location along the international borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh gave its tourism strategy a regional dimension. The government expects tourism to support cooperation and goodwill with neighbouring areas as it works towards the 2026 visitor target and its longer-term 2047 economic goal.
