Imphal: Manipur’s tourism sector is showing signs of recovery after tourist arrivals dropped sharply following the outbreak of ethnic violence in May 2023, with state officials expressing optimism about a gradual revival in the coming years.

Tourist arrivals fell from around 1.6 lakh, including 5,400 foreign visitors, during the 2022-23 financial year to approximately 30,000 in 2025-26. However, officials said the trend was beginning to reverse as the law-and-order situation improved across much of the state, despite sporadic clashes between two tribal groups in the northern areas.

Manipur Tourism Commissioner Kheda Varta Singh said the central valley region, covering approximately 2,000 square kilometres, remained secure and contained nearly 80 per cent of the state’s major tourist attractions.

He said conditions had largely returned to normal at popular destinations, including Loktak Lake, the 122-foot polo statue, the 1891 Anglo-Manipur War Memorial and the Japanese War Memorial. Security-related concerns, he added, were largely confined to remote areas of the northern hills.

Recent visits by foreign delegations have also indicated a gradual revival of international interest in the state. Singh referred to a South Korean delegation that completed a week-long visit in late October. A Japanese delegation is also scheduled to visit Manipur in early November to explore historical sites associated with the Second World War.

In a move to encourage more international visitors, the state government has approached the Centre seeking relaxation of Protected Area Permit (PAP) requirements for foreign nationals of Indian origin. The proposal calls on the Union Ministries of Tourism and Home Affairs to jointly examine the possibility of exempting non-sensitive destinations in the valley from mandatory permit requirements.

Officials believe that cultural initiatives and infrastructure development will play an important role in reviving the tourism industry over the longer term. The state recently celebrated the annual Mera Houchongba festival, which aims to strengthen ties between hill and valley communities.

The proposed railway connectivity to Imphal, expected by 2028, is also being viewed as a major boost to tourism. Officials anticipate that improved rail access could attract more visitors and support the sector’s recovery.