Manipur Observes World Tourism Day: Building Sustainable Growth & Restoring Traveler Confidence
Manipur celebrated World Tourism Day at Cheiraoching, Thangmeiband (Imphal West) under the 2025 theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.” The state-level programme — organised by the Department of Tourism — showcased vibrant performances from ethnic communities and honoured tour guides and operators, while senior officials stressed the need to rebuild visitor confidence after security setbacks and to pursue sustainable, community-driven tourism development. Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel highlighted safety and coordinated action as prerequisites for growth, while Principal Secretary (Tourism) Arun Kumar Sinha urged easier access to remote sites through simplified permit systems.
On 27 September 2025, Manipur’s Department of Tourism staged a state-level World Tourism Day programme at Cheiraoching, Thangmeiband. The event celebrated the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation” and featured cultural performances from multiple ethnic communities — a reminder that Manipur’s primary tourism asset is its living culture. Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel attended as chief guest and stressed that Manipur has natural beauty, a favorable climate and a unique cultural legacy, but conceded that security concerns and recent conflicts have dented tourist inflows. He emphasized that rebuilding tourism requires coordinated action between tourism departments, tour operators and allied sectors, and stressed sustainable practices, heritage conservation, and community participation. Principal Secretary Arun Kumar Sinha pointed out persistent access gaps to remote attractions and urged simplified permit systems to make those areas visitor-friendly. The programme also felicitated tour operators and guides for their role in promoting travel.
FAQs
Q1: What was Manipur’s theme for World Tourism Day 2025 and where was it held?
A1: The theme was “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”, and the state-level programme was held at Cheiraoching, Thangmeiband, Imphal West.
Q2: Who spoke about the need to restore traveler confidence, and what did they say?
A2: Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel emphasized that tourism will thrive only when visitors feel safe and assured; he called for strong coordination among tourism departments, tour operators and allied sectors to rebuild confidence.
Q3: How is Manipur planning to improve access to remote tourist spots?
A3: Principal Secretary (Tourism) Arun Kumar Sinha highlighted the need to simplify local and protected-area permits and improve infrastructure and connectivity so remote attractions become accessible to visitors.
Q4: What practical steps can local communities and authorities take to promote sustainable tourism?
A4: Steps include training local guides and homestay owners, installing eco-friendly infrastructure, adopting transparent permit and grievance systems, and creating community tourism funds to ensure fair economic benefits.
Q5: Which local attractions should travelers consider when planning a visit to Manipur?
A5: Highlights include Loktak Lake (famous for its floating phumdis and floating national park), Kangla Fort in Imphal, regional cultural festivals, and nearby biodiversity hotspots — all best enjoyed through guided, community-based experiences.
