Aizawl, Oct 13 (PTI) Mizoram aims to emulate Bhutan’s tourism model over the next five to 10 years by attracting high-value, responsible tourists and imposing “a lot of restrictions”, state Tourism Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar said on Tuesday.
He said that in order to evaluate the potential of tourism and its impact on society, the state government plans to engage Mizoram University to study the effects of higher tourist volume and will act based on its findings.
“Mizoram is a unique place to travel, and we are promoting tourism to attract more tourists. However, we are a late starter compared to other northeastern states, and we are trying to catch up,” Hmar said in a press conference at the ‘Mizoram Travel Fest 2026’.
However, the state will never engage any celebrity as a brand ambassador for promotional activities like many of its neighbours, and will work for organic growth in the sector, he added.
“In the future, we would like to be Bhutan with a lot of restrictions, welcoming high-value and sensitised tourists. This may not happen in the near future, but we may move in that direction in the next five to 10 years,” Hmar said.
He said that the state government has already spoken to Mizoram University and a formal agreement will be signed with it to carry out a tourism impact study.
“We would like to know the economic, social and other impact of high inflow of tourists on the Mizo society. We are still a very budding state (in the sector). We want to move very carefully so that our culture, identity and communities are protected,” the minister said.
About alleged attacks on tourists by some locals in Meghalaya recently, the minister said tourism has both positive and negative aspects.
“We have decided not to go big on attracting tourists in 2026. This year, we are focussing on sensitising our communities about tourist behaviour and how to deal with guests. I cannot say it right now, but we may also have to face a similar situation in future if the number of tourists is very high,” he added.
Hmar claimed that Mizoram is the most peaceful state in the country, and the government wants to make peace one of the unique selling points for the tourists. “We have recently got Rs 6 crore to start a peace gallery, and we are working on it. We have also received a proposal from Thenzawl to organise a peace festival. We will definitely do it once we get the funds,” he added.
Hmar also said that the Mizoram Chief Minister will write to the Centre to relax the Protected Area Permit (PAP) to ease arrival for foreign tourists into Mizoram during the upcoming Winter Festival.
Foreign nationals visiting Mizoram are required to obtain PAP through the official e-FRRO portal, while an Inner Line Permit (ILP) is a mandatory travel document for Indian citizens entering the state. PTI TR TR NSD
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