Manipur tourism drop has become a major concern this fiscal year, with the state witnessing an alarming 90 % decline in tourist arrivals in FY’25. The fall comes amid ongoing ethnic unrest and skyrocketing airfares, both of which have shaken the confidence of travelers. Once known for its scenic landscapes and rich culture, Manipur’s tourism sector now faces one of its toughest years in recent history.
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Sharp Fall in Visitor Numbers
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 reports of instability.
Tour operators and hoteliers say the decline is not just statistical. Several booked tours from major cities were cancelled at the last minute. Even guesthouses in Imphal reported occupancy rates below 20 %. Homestays and budget accommodations were the worst hit.
Ethnic Violence and Perception of Risk
The ethnic clashes that began in May 2023 between the Meitei and Kuki communities have shaken Manipur’s social and economic foundation. Despite efforts by security forces to restore peace, occasional incidents continue to surface. These incidents have left travelers anxious and hesitant.
Tour agents say foreign tourists cancelled planned trips after embassies in their home countries issued travel advisories. A travel agency in Imphal said that international bookings dropped to almost zero. Meanwhile, local operators pointed out that even domestic tourists choose alternative destinations perceived as safer.
Soaring Airfares Compound the Crisis
Beyond safety concerns, another factor discouraging visits 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.
On the Kolkata–Imphal sector, one-way fares now often cross ₹7,000, up from around ₹3,000 before the unrest. Tickets from Delhi can touch ₹12,000 or more. For budget travelers and backpackers, Manipur has become unaffordable compared to neighbouring states like Meghalaya and Sikkim which offer cheaper alternatives.
Reduced flight rotations also mean fewer direct connections, longer layovers and higher costs. Road access, especially via National Highway 2, remains intermittently blocked during protests and security checks. The combined effect of connectivity disruptions and fare hikes has pushed many away from planning trips to the state.
Local Economy Takes the Hit
The collapse of Manipur tourism has created a ripple effect across sectors. From boatmen at Loktak Lake to artisans in the hills, many are now struggling. Shops near popular sites like Kangla Fort have seen footfall fall drastically. Some vendors report income drops of more than 70 %.
During festivals like the Sangai Festival, which once attracted thousands of visitors from abroad, the turnout this year has been minimal. Organisers say they fear reduced participation will lead to lower funding and fewer international visitors in future editions.
Tourism officials concede they face a dual challenge: restoring peace and cutting travel cost. One senior official said, “We are trying to rebuild confidence among travellers. But unless normalcy returns and travel becomes affordable, recovery will remain slow.”
Government Steps Towards Recovery
The Manipur Government has started several initiatives to revive the tourism sector. It launched promotional campaigns across social media, emphasising eco-tourism, cultural heritage and lesser-known hill destinations. The idea is to first attract domestic tourists before scaling up international outreach.
Infrastructure development is also on the agenda. The state plans to improve roads to key tourist sites like Ukhrul, Senapati and Tamenglong. Training programmes for local guides, homestay operators and transport providers are underway to upgrade readiness for the next surge.
Chief Minister N. Biren Singh urged citizens, business owners and community groups to help restore Manipur’s image as a peaceful and welcoming destination. “Tourism has been one of our key sources of employment,” he remarked at a tourism review meeting. “We must work together to rebuild confidence and revive the sector.”
Hope and Warning for the Future
Experts believe that with sustained peace efforts and improved connectivity, Manipur tourism drop can be reversed—though they caution recovery will take time. They note that restoring trust among travellers is as important as improving infrastructure.
Some analysts recommend leveraging travel influencers, domestic holiday schemes and regional promotional tie-ups to reignite interest. They say Manipur’s unique offerings—Loktak Lake, Keibul Lamjao National Park, and rich tribal culture—still hold immense potential.
Yet many insiders stress that unless ground-level stability continues and airfare issues are addressed, the state risks losing its competitive edge to other North-East destinations. Some establishments are already shifting focus to domestic travels only, citing uncertainty around international demand.
The Road Ahead
Despite current challenges, the resilience of local communities offers hope. Many homestay owners, transport operators and craftsmen continue to keep their businesses operational, waiting for better days. If peace returns and travel cost stabilises, Manipur could once again reclaim its position among India’s most beautiful and culturally rich destinations.
For now, the tourism sector in Manipur remains at a critical juncture. The severity of the decline makes the next few months decisive. Success will depend on cooperation between government, private sector and local communities. If all three align, the “Manipur tourism drop” may become a story of recovery and revival.
Read More: Manipur Tourism Crashes 90% Amid Ethnic Unrest, High Airfares