Aizawl, Oct 13 (PTI) Mizoram aims to increase its annual tourist footfall to 12 lakh by 2030 and looks to position itself as the ‘Winter Capital of India’ with improved connectivity to the hill state, State Tourism Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar said on Tuesday.
Speaking on the sidelines of the three-day ‘Mizoram Travel Fest 2026’, which kicked off here on Tuesday, he said the state has already seen a 51 per cent rise in tourist arrivals this year and is building its tourism sector based on community-based events and sustainable activities.
“Mizoram has historically lagged other northeastern states in tourist arrivals. However, it has now emerged as one of the leading tourist destinations in the region with a sharp rise in tourist inflow in recent years, particularly following the inauguration of the Bairabi–Sairang rail line in September 2025,” the minister told PTI here.
He pointed out that the state, cradled by verdant hills, recorded an impressive 97 per cent growth in tourist arrivals between 2024 and 2025. “With better connectivity, the state has received more than 6.7 lakh visitors between January and August this year, recording a 51 per cent increase compared to 2025.”
Anticipating an even greater increase in tourist inflow during the upcoming winter, Hmar said, “Mizoram’s longer-term vision includes 12 lakh tourist arrivals by 2030 and 20 lakh by 2047, alongside the expansion of accommodation capacity and development of 10 Culture, Adventure and Nature (CAN) tourism circuits connecting 40 destinations by 2047.”
The minister said the state is seeking to transform into a year-round tourism economy while positioning itself as India’s ‘Winter Capital’ with rising visitor numbers and expanding investment.
“A distinctive strand of Mizoram’s tourism ambition is to position itself as India’s ‘Winter Capital’ through a flagship winter festival and a calendar of seasonal experiences. Planned offerings include music and cultural programmes, food and craft fairs, flower showcases, agro-tourism, sports, adventure activities and village-hosted celebrations,” he added.
Mizoram’s Christmas traditions, including community feasts, choirs, carol singing, parades and illuminated towns and churches, offer the foundation for a distinctive winter tourism proposition.
Hmar further said, “Presenting this living tradition to domestic and international visitors will give Mizoram a distinctive identity on India’s winter tourism map. It will also strengthen local livelihoods and sustainable, community-led tourism.”
“Through sustainable community-led development, Mizoram aims to showcase its culture, adventure and natural beauty to the world while preserving its heritage for generations to come,” he said.
The upcoming calendar includes the Leitlangpui Music Festival in Lunglei from November 11 to 13 and the Winter Festival in Aizawl from December 15 to 23. The ongoing Hnahsin Kut or Cosmos Festival in Champhai, scheduled until October 16, is also being highlighted during the ongoing Mizoram Travel Fest.
Some other tourism festivals are Tlaizawng Paradise (Cherry Blossom Paradise) at Phuaibuang village in Saitual on December 17 and 18, Sakawrhmuituai Sunset in Sihphir on December 31 and Chepa Nunchan on January 2 at Darzo village in Hnahthial.
Talking about the community participation, Hmar said, “Mizoram Tourism puts communities at the heart of every event. Our tourism festivals, cultural events and destination-based initiatives are designed to benefit host villages and towns, where local people are not just spectators but active participants and beneficiaries.”
The state’s events champion rural and agro-tourism. “Farmers, artisans, homestays, self-help groups, youth bodies, vendors and drivers all earn from every visitor. The result is stronger livelihoods, growing local enterprise and communities proud to share their heritage,” he added.
To achieve its tourism goal, Hmar said Mizoram is witnessing around Rs 680 crore of investments in the sector, mainly to develop infrastructure to attract travellers from around the world. “Nearly Rs 680 crore in tourism investment has been mobilised since 2023, including 11 major projects sanctioned with an outlay of Rs 608.38 crore,” he added.
These projects include a Rs 250-crore initiative to develop iconic tourist facilities and attractions, the Rs 127-crore PM Ekta Mall, a Rs 99.71-crore conference centre at Thingsulthliah, and a Rs 34.50-crore aerial ropeway and associated infrastructure project at Thenzawl–Buangpui, the minister said.
“We welcome visitors, as well as investment and enterprise in tourism. But we want this growth to be responsible and sustainable,” he added. PTI TR TR NSD
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