Mizoram attracted 3.63 lakh tourists in 2023, but foreign arrivals may decline due to new permit rules under India’s Protected Area Regime, impacting tourism growth.

Mizoram has seen a notable increase in tourist arrivals in recent years, with over 3.63 lakh visitors, including 4,033 international tourists, visiting the state during the current financial year up to December 2023.

Minister’s Statement on Tourism Figures

State Tourism Minister Lalrinpuii disclosed these figures in response to a question raised by BJP legislator Dr. K Beichhua in the State Assembly. The data reflects a steady upward trend in tourism, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recovery and Growth Post-Pandemic

Tourism in Mizoram was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the 2020-21 fiscal year witnessing only 20,564 domestic tourists and a mere three foreign visitors due to restrictions on travel. However, with the gradual easing of restrictions, the following year (2021-22) marked a dramatic turnaround, with more than 1.32 lakh domestic tourists and 94 international visitors exploring the state.

Continued Rise in Tourist Arrivals

The positive trend continued in 2022-23, when Mizoram welcomed over 2.18 lakh domestic visitors and 3,554 foreign tourists, drawn by the state’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. By the end of 2023, the numbers further rose, with over 2.15 lakh domestic tourists and 3,884 foreign nationals visiting the state.

Dominance of Domestic Tourism

Between 2020-21 and 2023-24, domestic tourists consistently dominated the influx, accounting for 98.22% of all arrivals. Foreign tourists made up a much smaller proportion, at just 1.78% of the total.

Concerns Over Declining International Tourism

Despite the positive growth, tourism officials are concerned about a potential decline in international arrivals due to the reimplementation of the Protected Area Regime (PAR) by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in December 2023. The new regulations require foreign nationals to obtain Protected Area Permits (PAPs) to visit certain areas, including Mizoram.

Security Concerns and Reintroduction of PAR

The MHA’s decision to reintroduce the PAR was driven by security concerns along Mizoram’s border with Myanmar, compounded by political unrest in the neighboring country. Additionally, the arrest of a foreign national with live ammunition further justified the government’s move to enforce the PAR once again.

The post Mizoram Sees Domestic tourism surge With 3.63 Lakh Visitors, while Foreign Arrivals Drop Due To New Restrictions appeared first on Travel And Tour World.