IMPHAL | Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh on Sunday said tourist inflow into the state had declined sharply since the ethnic conflict began in 2023, affecting the tourism sector and its potential to generate revenue.

Speaking at a World Tourism Day programme in Bishnupur district, Khemchand said Manipur had recorded around 1.75 lakh tourist visits annually before the conflict broke out.

“The number of tourists visiting neighbouring Mizoram has crossed 8 lakh a year, resulting in an increase in revenue, while the tourist inflow in Manipur has drastically decreased due to the crisis in the state,” he said.

The chief minister also referred to Sikkim, where annual tourist footfall has crossed 17 lakh, and attributed the growth to what he described as a stable law-and-order situation.

“The tourism sector, which is expected to generate substantial revenue for Manipur, has witnessed a decline due to the prevailing law and order situation,” Khemchand said.

He said Manipur needed to improve its tourism infrastructure and facilities to meet standards expected by international visitors.

The ethnic conflict that began in May 2023 has had a significant impact on the state’s social and economic life. According to figures presented by Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam in the state Assembly earlier this month, at least 306 people have been killed and 49 remain missing since the conflict began.

Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, who also addressed the World Tourism Day programme, said Manipur’s tourism potential extended beyond its landscapes and monuments.

“The real tourism lies in our distinctive way of life and separate tradition for welcoming guests,” Bhalla said.

He said the state government was promoting homestays to enable local families to offer accommodation to tourists and participate directly in the tourism economy.

However, official tourism data released by the Centre highlights the scale of the decline. Manipur recorded 25,281 domestic tourist visits and 2,892 foreign tourist visits in 2025.

During January-June 2026, the state recorded 12,744 domestic and 1,219 foreign tourist visits, according to the data.

The figures indicate that restoring visitor confidence, improving tourism infrastructure and addressing the broader law-and-order situation remain key factors for the revival of Manipur’s tourism sector.