Aizawl: The three-day Anthurium Festival concluded at Reiek Tourist Resort on Saturday, with Mizoram Tourism Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar stressing the need for greater efforts to position the state as a leading tourism destination.
The festival, organised jointly by the Tourism and Horticulture departments, returned this year after a two-year hiatus. Hmar said the event was revived with a renewed emphasis on promoting Mizo culture, the state’s natural attractions and adventure tourism.
He said the government plans to further develop tourism destinations and cultural festivals across Mizoram, including the Winter Festival, Hnahsin Kut and Leitlangpui Music Festival. Destinations such as Sakawrhmuituai sunset point and Tlaizawng Paradise are also being promoted to attract visitors and highlight the state’s natural and cultural heritage.
Hmar said tourism should not be limited to attracting visitors from outside Mizoram, encouraging residents to explore different parts of the state as well.
“People from outside visiting Mizoram is not enough. Residents should also travel to different parts of the state. Such movement will contribute to the local economy,” he said, adding that the government views tourism as an important avenue for the state’s development.
The festival was inaugurated by Horticulture Minister C Lalsawivunga on October 1. Over the three days, visitors took part in activities including trekking, cave exploration, cable footbridge crossings, visits to Film City, indigenous games and rifle shooting, besides cultural experiences at Ailawng and Reiek.
An Anthurium exhibition-cum-sale was also organised alongside food stalls and outlets showcasing locally produced goods.
Various Young Mizo Association (YMA) branches and educational institutions presented cultural programmes highlighting Mizo traditions and heritage. Popular Mizo singers also performed during evening concerts, drawing large crowds.
The closing ceremony witnessed a significant turnout of visitors and local residents.
According to officials, tourist footfall in Mizoram has continued to increase. As many as 6,74,911 visitors were recorded in the state between January and August this year.