Tourist arrivals in Manipur have fallen drastically following the 2023 ethnic violence that gripped the northeastern state, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said on Sunday, 27 September 2026, while addressing the World Tourism Day observance at Sangai Ethnic Park in Moirang Khunou, Bishnupur district. The remarks came as the state government made a pointed acknowledgement that the ongoing ethnic hostilities have directly cost Manipur its tourism economy and the revenue that comes with it.

The Numbers That Tell the Story

Before the ethnic violence erupted in 2023, Manipur received approximately 1.75 lakh tourists annually — a figure that then surpassed the inflow into neighbouring Mizoram. The situation has since reversed sharply. Mizoram now draws over 8 lakh tourists per year, generating significantly higher state revenue, while Manipur's own numbers have declined steeply. Chief Minister Khemchand Singh pointed to Sikkim as another telling contrast: the small hill state, which maintains a stable law and order situation, now attracts more than 17 lakh tourists annually. 'Tourists would not visit Manipur in the absence of a peaceful environment,' he said.

Government Acknowledges Peace Cannot Be Imposed Alone

In a notable admission, the Chief Minister stated that the government alone cannot restore peace in the state. He stressed that the revival of Manipur's tourism sector requires the collective effort of all stakeholders — communities, civil society, and elected representatives alike. He also underscored that mere beautification of tourist spots is insufficient; the overall tourism infrastructure and itinerary must be brought to a standard acceptable to foreign tourists if the state is to compete with its northeastern peers.

Tourism Minister Khuraijam Loken Singh reinforced the economic stakes, warning that any disruption to revenue-generating state initiatives slows the broader development process. He further called for unity among the 36 communities residing in Manipur, arguing that without it, neither peace nor development is possible.

Launches, Portals, and a Push for Digital Tourism

The World Tourism Day 2026 event was held on the theme 'Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism' and was jointly attended by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Chief Minister Khemchand Singh. Governor Bhalla officially launched the Manipur Tech Innovation Foundation (MTIF) Portal, while the Chief Minister relaunched the revamped Explore Manipur – Re-Imagining Tourism Portal. The Governor also presented awards for the Re-Imagining Manipur Hackathon, and the Chief Minister felicitated participants of a bike rally held earlier in the day.

Governor Bhalla noted that the real strength of Manipur tourism lies not in its landscapes alone but in its people and communities. 'The real tourism lies in our distinctive way of life and separate tradition for welcoming guests,' he said, adding that the government is actively promoting homestays to ensure tourism revenue reaches the grassroots. Thanga Assembly Constituency MLA Tongbram Robindro Singh called for community-centred tourism and urged support for young entrepreneurs building locally rooted tourism solutions.

ISL Comes to Manipur: A Sign of Intent

In what was seen as a confidence-building signal, the state government announced during the event that NorthEast United Football Club will bring the Indian Super League (ISL) to Manipur for the first time. An ISL match is scheduled to be held in the state on 24 November. Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh, the Chief Secretary, the Director General of Police, senior officials, and local residents attended the programme.

What Comes Next

The government's public reckoning with the tourism cost of ethnic conflict marks a shift in tone — from managing the narrative to openly quantifying the damage. Whether the digital portals, ISL match, and homestay promotion can meaningfully reverse the trend depends on a precondition the state has yet to fully achieve: sustained peace on the ground. The road to recovery, as the Chief Minister himself acknowledged, runs through collective reconciliation first.