Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Thursday revealed that the state has become among the top tourist spots in the Northeast, achieving an unparalleled number of visitor arrivals in 2024.

Addressing the Hnahsin (Cosmos Flower) Festival at Champhai district, Lalduhoma announced that the state hosted more than 5.2 lakh visitors last year, a 139.5 per cent growth from 2023.

The Chief Minister attributed the impressive growth to enhanced connectivity, more promotion of local culture, and the state government’s consistent efforts in placing Mizoram as a must-visit destination in the region. With improved infrastructure and connectivity, Mizoram is becoming a sought-after tourist destination in the Northeast,” Lalduhoma stated, noting that the government is committed to continuing support for people-centred tourism efforts promoting the state’s cultural and natural diversity.”.

The Chief Minister pointed out the groundbreaking effect of the Bairabi–Sairang railway line, which was opened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 13, linking Aizawl for the first time to the rest of India via Assam’s Silchar. The 51-km track, described as an engineering marvel, has placed Mizoram on the national railway map, shortening travel time and paving the way for trade and tourism opportunities.”

The Bairabi–Sairang project is the most difficult accomplishment in Indian Railway history,” Lalduhoma said. “It represents the Centre’s resolve to enhance connectivity in the Northeast and our joint endeavor to incorporate Mizoram into the national mainstream.”Lalduhoma was optimistic that tourist arrivals will keep increasing in the coming years as better road and rail connectivity draw both local and foreign tourists. He was keen to point out that tourism, with the right care, can be a major economic catalyst for the state.Tourism has the great potential of returning wealth that has been leaving Mizoram for decades,” said the Chief Minister.

“By marketing our natural beauty, heritage, and traditional values, we can make tourism a sustainable source of revenue for our people.Strongly recommending the public to maintain the ethos of Mizo hospitality, Lalduhoma exhorted the public to preserve the ecology and cultural heritage that make the state special. “Guests should be able to taste the real Mizo way of living — characterised by honesty, respect for the elderly, and unselfish service,” he said. “We should make it a point that each tourist who arrives here is able to take away memories of our warmth and hospitality.”

The Chief Minister also emphasized the need to conserve Mizoram’s picturesque landscapes — from its green hills and tumbling waterfalls to its colorful festivals — as a way to lure more green tourists.Tourism authorities indicate that Mizoram’s increasing popularity is being boosted by its peaceful atmosphere, vibrant tribal heritage, and nascent adventure tourism industry.

The state aims to maintain its double-digit growth in tourist traffic in the coming years through new infrastructure schemes, homestay initiatives, and online promotion.As the cosmos flowers bloom on Champhai’s hillside, the festival now is not just an ode to nature but a reflection of Mizoram’s new journey — from a backwater hill state to one of Northeast India’s most promising travel destinations.

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