Aizawl: Mizoram witnessed a remarkable boom in tourism during the financial year 2024–25, with tourist footfall increasing by over 114% compared to the previous year, according to data released by the state’s tourism department.
As of February 2025, the state recorded 4,69,753 tourist arrivals, a sharp rise from 2,19,114 visitors in 2023–24.
Officials noted that the final figures for March are yet to be compiled, and the number may go even higher.
Of the total arrivals this fiscal year, 4,64,742 were domestic tourists, while 5,011 were international visitors hailing from over 80 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, China, and Japan.
In comparison, the previous fiscal saw 3,334 foreign tourists.
A senior tourism department official said that while a majority of visitors came for business-related purposes, many also travelled for exploration, family visits, and leisure.
Tourism has been steadily growing in Mizoram since the pandemic-induced slump.
Visitor numbers had plunged to just 20,564 in 2020–21, but gradually climbed to 1.32 lakh in 2021–22, and 2.22 lakh in 2022–23.
That upward trend has now accelerated dramatically.
Aizawl district emerged as the top destination during 2024–25, attracting 2,62,224 domestic and 4,097 foreign tourists.
It was followed by Kolasib district, bordering Assam, which received 1,05,593 visitors, including 25 from abroad.
Officials attributed the sector’s progress in part to the Responsible Tourism Policy, introduced in August 2020.
The policy promotes sustainable tourism through community engagement, poverty alleviation, skill development, and environmentally responsible practices.
It also aims to develop tourism as a means to empower rural communities and boost local livelihoods.
Despite the tourism boom, revenue generated by the department stood at Rs 3.27 crore in 2024–25, a slight dip from Rs 3.57 crore in the previous year, according to officials.
ALSO READ: Bangladesh yet to approve reopening of Meghalaya border haats, says official
Currently, Mizoram boasts 197 identified tourist destinations and 78 tourist lodges or facilities, though not all are operational.
Of these, 39 are run directly by the tourism department, while the rest are managed by private partners.
The state is also seeing steady growth in tourism infrastructure, with 101 registered hotels, 125 homestays, 76 tour operators, 95 licensed guides, and 31 catering units active across the region.
