Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh today jointly attended the observance of World Tourism Day 2026 on the theme “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism” at Sangai Ethnic Park at Moirang Khunou in Bishnupur District.
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla stated that the true strength of Manipur tourism goes beyond its landscapes and monuments, it lies in our people and communities. The real tourism lies in our distinctive way of life and separate tradition for welcoming guests. The theme for this year’s Tourism Day is particularly relevant at a time when technology transforms how people discover experience and share destinations. For Manipur, this represents tremendous possibilities. He added, the government is actively promoting homestays empowering local families to convert their home into tourist accommodations thereby ensuring that tourism revenue reaches the grass roots.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, addressing the gathering, stated that before the 2023 crisis hit the State of Manipur, around 1.75 lakh tourists visited the State, which was higher than the number of tourists visiting Mizoram at that time. However, in the present scenario, the number of tourists visiting Mizoram has crossed 8 lakhs resulting in an increase in revenue generated by the neighbouring State while the tourist inflow in Manipur has drastically decreased due to the crisis in the State.
Khemchand Singh maintained that in a peaceful small state like Sikkim, the inflow of tourists is more than 17 lakhs in a year. He attributed the increase in tourist arrivals in Sikkim is due to the stable law and order situation.
The Chief Minister further stated that tourists would not visit Manipur in the absence of a peaceful environment. The tourism sector, which is expected to generate substantial revenue for the State, has witnessed a decline due to the prevailing law and order situation. He added that the Government alone cannot bring peace in the State and that it requires the collective efforts of all stakeholders.
Khemchand Singh added that beautification of tourist spots alone is not enough. There is a need to improve the overall tourism itinerary and facilities to a standard that would be acceptable to foreign tourists visiting Manipur.
Minister for Tourism, Khuraijam Loken Singh stated that the tourism sector contributes significantly in generating revenue for the State. He added that when the State takes an initiative to generate revenue, we should not cause any hindrance to its functioning, as this would slow down the development process in the State. He further stated that without unity among the 36 different communities residing in Manipur, there can be no peace and development.
MLA of Thanga Assembly Constituency, Tongbram Robindro Singh stated that the future of tourism in Manipur must be community-centred and all elements of the communities should have opportunities to participate in the tourism value chain. He added that we must encourage the young entrepreneurs to build tourism solutions based on local needs.
During the programme, the Governor officially launched the Manipur Tech Innovation Foundation (MTIF) Portal, while the Chief Minister relaunched the revamped Explore Manipur – Re-Imagining Tourism Portal. The Governor presented Re-Imagining Manipur Hackathon awards to the winners, while the Chief Minister presented awards to the bikers who participated in a bike rally held in the early hours of the day as part of the observation.
The State Government announced during the programme that NorthEast United FC will bring the Indian Super League (ISL) to Manipur for the first time, with an ISL match scheduled to be held in the State on November 24. The programme also featured cultural dance performances and songs.
The Governor and the Chief Minister led other dignitaries in inspecting the stalls set up in connection to the programme.
The programme organised by the Department of Tourism was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho; Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam; MLAs; Chief Secretary; Director General of Police (DGP); Senior Administrative Officials; High Ranking Security Officers and locals among others.