Manipur’s tourism industry has suffered a severe blow this fiscal year. The state witnessed an alarming 90% decline in tourist arrivals in FY’25, largely due to ongoing ethnic unrest and the sharp rise in airfares. What was once a thriving destination for adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts now struggles to attract visitors.
According to officials from the state’s tourism department, barely 15,000 tourists visited between April and September this year. This figure marks a steep drop from nearly 1.5 lakh visitors during the same period last year. Most cancellations came from domestic travelers who were discouraged by news of violence and instability.
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Unrest and safety concerns hit Manipur’s image
The ethnic clashes that began in May 2023 between the Meitei and Kuki communities have deeply shaken Manipur’s social and economic foundation. Despite efforts by security forces to restore peace, occasional reports of violence continue to emerge. These incidents have left travelers anxious about their safety.
Tour operators revealed that several planned tours from Kolkata, Delhi, and Guwahati were canceled at the last moment. Many agencies are unwilling to promote Manipur until the situation improves. Hoteliers in Imphal also reported drastic declines in occupancy rates, with most staying below 20%. The decline has particularly affected small guesthouses and homestays that depend heavily on domestic tourists.
Locals who rely on tourism for income said the impact has been devastating. “We used to get bookings almost every week before the clashes. Now, we barely get one or two visitors in a month,” said a homestay owner from Bishnupur.
Rising airfares worsen the situation
Apart from security concerns, another factor discouraging travelers is the sharp increase in flight ticket prices. Airfares to Imphal have almost doubled since early 2024 due to reduced flight frequency and higher operational costs.
The average one-way ticket from Kolkata to Imphal, which used to cost around Rs 3,000, now often crosses Rs 7,000. For travelers from Delhi, fares have touched Rs 12,000 or more. Budget travelers and backpackers, who once formed a significant part of Manipur’s visitor base, are now choosing cheaper destinations in Northeast India such as Meghalaya and Sikkim.
Officials in the tourism department admitted that connectivity issues have added to the crisis. Fewer airlines are operating direct routes to Imphal, leading to limited availability and higher prices. Road connectivity through National Highway 2 also remains disrupted in parts due to periodic blockades.
Local businesses face heavy losses
The collapse of Manipur’s tourism has created a ripple effect across sectors. From transport operators to artisans, the losses have been widespread.
Shops near popular sites like Loktak Lake and Kangla Fort have seen a steep fall in footfall. Many vendors have temporarily shut down, while others are barely surviving by selling to local residents. Even cultural festivals that once drew large crowds, such as the Sangai Festival, have faced uncertainty.
In 2022, the Sangai Festival attracted visitors from over 25 countries. Last year, it was scaled down significantly due to security concerns. If the current trend continues, tourism experts fear that the festival may not see international participation this year either.
An official from the Manipur Tourism Corporation said, “The government is trying to rebuild confidence among travelers. But unless normalcy fully returns and travel costs drop, recovery will remain slow.”
Efforts to revive Manipur’s tourism
The Manipur government has launched several initiatives to revive the state’s travel sector. Campaigns promoting eco-tourism and heritage tourism have begun online, targeting domestic visitors first. Authorities are also exploring options to provide fare subsidies or special tourist packages once stability returns.
Infrastructure development is another focus area. The state plans to improve roads to key tourist destinations like Loktak Lake, Ukhrul, and Dzuko Valley. Training programs for local guides and homestay owners are also underway to ensure better preparedness for future tourist seasons.
Chief Minister N. Biren Singh recently appealed to citizens and stakeholders to help restore Manipur’s image as a peaceful and welcoming destination. “Tourism has been one of our key sources of employment. We must work together to rebuild confidence and revive the sector,” he stated during a tourism review meeting.
Hope for gradual recovery
Experts believe that with sustained peace efforts and improved connectivity, Manipur’s tourism can recover gradually over the next few years. They emphasize the need for joint action between the government, local communities, and private operators.
Travel analysts suggest that strategic promotion through social media and travel influencers could help restore confidence among domestic travelers. If security improves, the Northeast’s growing tourism market could once again include Manipur as a must-visit destination.
Despite current challenges, the resilience of local communities offers hope. Many residents continue to maintain their properties, craft stores, and eco-camps, waiting for better days. As peace returns and travel costs stabilize, Manipur could soon reclaim its place among India’s most beautiful and culturally rich destinations.
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