Manipur Faces Dramatic Drop in Tourist Visits Amid Challenges

Manipur’s Tourism Plunge: Current Figures and Causes

Manipur, a state known for its scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage, has experienced a significant downturn in tourist arrivals over the past five years. The annual number of visitors collapsed from approximately 179,000 during 2019-20 to a mere 17,000 in 2024-25. The breakdown between domestic and international tourists during this period also reflects a sharp fall, with domestic visitors dropping from 167,000 to 15,700, and foreign arrivals declining from 12,000 to 1,300.

This dramatic decline has been attributed primarily to ongoing civil disturbances within the region. Such unrest not only raises safety concerns but also impacts travel infrastructure and visitor confidence. Another contributing factor is the high cost of air travel to and from Manipur, making it less accessible for potential tourists. Local government representatives have highlighted these challenges in discussions with central government officials to seek support in reversing this trend.

Government Initiatives and Responses

Recently, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar visited Imphal to review various development schemes and address tourism issues. Discussions during this visit emphasized the urgent need to tackle prohibitive flight fares, with appeals directed toward the Civil Aviation Ministry to intervene. The Manipur government has formally communicated these concerns, aiming to create a more welcoming environment for travelers.

The minister also examined support measures for internally displaced persons (IDPs) within the state, reflecting a broader focus on stabilizing the social environment. Reviews of multiple sectors such as health, education, transportation, rural development, and tourism took place to ensure strategic advancement across the board. Flags schemes and development plans were analyzed with an eye on strengthening implementation speed.

Manipur: A Brief Overview of Its Tourism Landscape

Set in the northeastern corner of India, Manipur’s terrain features a blend of fertile river valleys and surrounding mountainous highlands. The Manipur River valley is an essential geographic feature, enriched by the presence of Loktak Lake, one of the region’s natural marvels. Despite the area’s natural allure, accessibility has historically been a challenge due to limited transport connections, including no railway links to other regions and reliance mainly on air routes and highways.

The population composition is remarkably diverse, with the Meithei people predominantly inhabiting the river valleys alongside various indigenous tribes such as the Nagas and Kukis in the hills. The cultural fabric includes unique artistic expressions like the classical Manipuri dance style, setting the state apart as a repository of India’s traditional heritage.

Manipur’s economy largely rests on agriculture and forestry, with crops such as rice, maize, mustard, and tea thriving in its fertile soil. Small-scale cottage industries focused on textiles, basketry, jewelry, and wood carving contribute to the local economic base, offering potential niche attractions for tourists interested in ethnographic and craft tourism.

Historical Context

Manipur has a complex history shaped by various political transitions. From being an independent kingdom, it came under British influence in the late 19th century, converting into a princely state with administrative reforms and infrastructure development. Post-independence, it integrated into India in 1947, gaining full statehood in 1972. The region’s history of political unrest and instability has influenced tourist perceptions and visitation trends, occasionally overshadowing the area’s cultural and natural treasures.

Tourism Challenges in Context

The decline in tourism is not solely due to local disturbances. Factors such as high travel costs and limited connectivity often deter visitors from exploring remote but captivating destinations like Manipur. This decline holds substantial implications for local employment, revenue from tourism-related activities, and broader regional economic development. Nonetheless, efforts are underway to address these issues.

The Potential Future of Manipur’s Tourism

Looking ahead, reviving tourism in Manipur requires multi-sectoral coordination between central and state governments and stakeholders involved in transport, hospitality, and cultural promotion. The strategic focus could include improving air connectivity with competitive fares, enhancing infrastructure around key tourist draws such as Loktak Lake and traditional cultural sites, and establishing Manipur as a safe and attractive destination for niche tourism markets like eco-tourism and cultural tourism.

Key Recommendations for Tourism Revival

• Improving Airfare Accessibility: Engaging with airlines and civil aviation authorities to reduce flight costs.
• Infrastructure Development: Upgrading roads, hospitality services, and visitor centers.
• Promoting Cultural Attractions: Showcasing traditional arts like Manipuri dance and local craft industries to attract cultural tourists.
• Safety and Stability Measures: Ensuring a safe visitor environment through social and political stabilizing efforts.
• Marketing and Awareness Campaigns: Enhancing national and international visibility of the state’s tourism potential.

Summary and Conclusion

Over the past five years, Manipur has experienced a sharp decline in tourist footfall, dropping from nearly 180,000 visitors to just 17,000. The core causes include civil unrest and prohibitive airfares, which together have created significant entry barriers. The region’s natural beauty, diverse cultures, and historic significance remain largely under-explored, often hidden behind accessibility and security challenges.

Addressing these barriers could be pivotal in unlocking Manipur’s tourism potential. With concerted efforts in improving flight affordability, infrastructure, and marketing, the state could reclaim a position as an intriguing destination for cultural explorers and nature enthusiasts alike.

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