Mizoram Tourism Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar held a meeting with leaders of the Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA) to discuss ways to manage the rising number of tourists in the state. The meeting focused on coordination between the government and community groups to ensure smooth tourist movement while protecting local culture and traditions.
Chairing the discussion, Hmar said the increase in tourist arrivals is a positive sign for Mizoram’s economy and growing visibility. However, he also cautioned that the growth must be handled carefully so that it does not affect the lifestyle and values of local communities.
The minister pointed out that improved connectivity, especially the extension of railway services to Sairang last year, has played a key role in bringing more visitors to the state. According to official estimates, Mizoram has already recorded over 8 lakh tourist visits, and the number is expected to rise further in the coming months.
Hmar said the government has started consultations with important religious and social organisations, including church bodies, to ensure that tourism development remains sensitive to local sentiments. He added that more stakeholders will be involved in the process in the coming days.
CYMA president R Lalngheta said that while tourists are welcome in Mizoram, there should be clear guidelines to avoid any behaviour that may hurt local sentiments. He suggested preparing a list of “dos and don’ts” for visitors and increasing awareness among both tourists and residents.
The meeting also discussed joint awareness campaigns, better sharing of tourist information, and training programmes for local tour guides. Officials spoke about the need to regulate homestays and ensure strict enforcement of Inner Line Permit (ILP) and Protected Area Permit (PAP) rules.
