Imphal: The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) called on Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at the Raj Bhavan on Monday, urging his intervention to ease travel restrictions for foreign tourists visiting the state.
During the meeting, the association submitted a memorandum highlighting the difficulties faced by tour operators in obtaining Protected Area Permits (PAP) for foreign visitors.
“H Radhakrishna Sharma, State-in-Charge, Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) Manipur submitted a representation regarding challenges faced by tour operators in obtaining Protected Area Permits (PAP) for foreign tourists visiting Manipur,” the Raj Bhavan statement said.
To promote tourism and streamline the permit process, the association proposed allowing pre-arrival PAP applications at the time of visa processing in the traveller’s home country and authorizing approved tour operators and IATO members to apply for permits on behalf of their clients.
The governor acknowledged the concerns and appreciated the association’s efforts to promote sustainable tourism in Manipur.
Foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit (PAP) to enter Manipur due to security concerns, a policy reimposed by the central government in December 2024.
ALSO READ: Human activity threatens Manipur’s Loktak Lake, study warns
Officials said that the movement of foreign nationals in Manipur is being strictly monitored, and they are permitted to visit only those areas specified in their Protected Area Permits.
Notably, the PAP requirement was lifted in 2011 to promote tourism but was later reinstated due to the prevailing security situation.
