AIZAWL, Sept 24, 2026: Mizoram's tourism sector is experiencing an unprecedented golden era, recording 6,75,284 tourist arrivals between January and August 2026. According to the latest data from the Tourism Department, the figure comprises 6,64,197 domestic visitors and 11,087 foreign tourists, marking a significant period of growth for the state.
The year began with a massive surge, with a record 1.21 lakh visitors arriving in January alone. While the monsoon months saw the traditional seasonal dip, visitor numbers remained strong, with August still recording nearly 63,000 arrivals.
A significant catalyst for this growth is the newly operational Bairabi-Sairang railway line. By improving connectivity, the railway has made the state's destinations more accessible to domestic travellers. The establishment of the Aizawl Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in 2026 has also facilitated the process for foreign visitors, including matters related to Protected Area Permits (PAP).
Despite the growing number of tourists visiting the state, safety and hospitality have remained paramount. Speaking in the State Assembly, Tourism Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar noted that the state had received zero complaints regarding the safety of visitors or misconduct towards tourists, which he attributed to the hospitality extended by the Mizo community.
To sustain this momentum, the state is investing in sustainable and experiential tourism. On September 23, Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar inaugurated Mizoram's first-ever 'Pluck and Pay Festival', being held from September 23 to 25 in Khawzawl district. Hosted in Chawngtlai and Tualte villages under a strict zero single-use plastic policy, the festival allows visitors to directly harvest fresh kiwis, passion fruit and tomatoes from local orchards.
Blending agriculture with tourism, the event also features ziplining, historical tours and a rural mela. The initiative aims to promote eco-tourism while providing an additional avenue for local farmers to benefit from tourism.