Aizawl, Oct 9 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Mizoram, Lalduhoma, announced on Thursday that the state's tourism sector is experiencing remarkable growth, with a staggering 139.50 per cent increase in tourist arrivals this year compared to the previous year, based on recent data.

On the same day, the Chief Minister inaugurated the three-day Mizoram Travel Fest 2025, which had commenced a day earlier at the Aijal Club.

This festival, co-organized by the Union Ministry of Tourism and the Mizoram Tourism Department, aims to boost the tourism potential of the hill state, which shares a 510 km and 318 km unfenced border with Myanmar and Bangladesh, respectively.

The Chief Minister pointed out that the rising number of visitors has made a substantial contribution to the local economy.

He expressed optimism that this positive trend will continue to grow in the upcoming years.

Additionally, CM Lalduhoma urged the Mizo people to be hospitable and welcoming to visitors from various backgrounds, ensuring that Mizoram stands out as a friendly destination for all.

He stated that if the Mizo community embodies the core values of their culture—such as simplicity, selflessness, respect for elders, and integrity—the state and its inhabitants will thrive both economically and in spirit.

Moreover, the Chief Minister highlighted that the majority of tourists visiting Mizoram are fellow Indians, and there is no cause for concern or avoidance.

He emphasized that these tourists should be treated with warmth and encouraged to return, stressing that tourism yields significant economic advantages and that the people of Mizoram should continue to work diligently and wisely to utilize their resources effectively.

CM Lalduhoma remarked that the Mizoram Travel Fest 2025 is a vital initiative, and he commended the Tourism Minister and all organizers for their commitment.

The State Tourism Minister, Lalnghinglova Hmar, also addressed attendees, thanking participants and detailing the state government's ongoing efforts to enhance the tourism industry.

During the event, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Tourism Department and the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Department to foster eco-tourism collaboration.

According to a Tourism Department representative, the state government had declared tourism an industry a few years ago to access industry-related schemes for the sector's development.

The increase in tourist arrivals in Mizoram for the current financial year (2025–26) by 139.50 per cent compared to last year is the highest among the eight northeastern states, according to the official.