Aizawl: 28th December, 2025: Mizoram witnessed an unprecedented surge in tourist arrivals this year with Aizawl emerging as a major attraction during the Christmas season, as visitors from across India and abroad flocked to experience the state’s unique festive celebrations. Tourism Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar said the sharp rise in footfall reflected growing interest in Mizoram’s blend of religious devotion, community spirit and cultural traditions.
According to the minister, improved connectivity especially following the inauguration of the Bairabi–Sairang railway lineplayed a crucial role in boosting tourism by making travel to the state more affordable and accessible. He also credited sustained promotional efforts jointly undertaken by the government and local communities for drawing visitors during the year-end festivities.
Unlike previous years, a large number of domestic and foreign tourists were seen actively participating in church services, zaikhawm congregational singing sessions and traditional community feasts organised by local churches. These experiences, Hmar said, offered visitors a close look at the Mizo way of celebrating Christmas, where faith and culture come together in a spirit of unity.
The surge in arrivals was evident in accommodation demand, with hotels and homestays remaining fully booked since November. State Tourism Director R Lalrodingi said all hotels and homestays in Aizawl were completely sold out on Christmas Eve, prompting the tourism department to request paying guest hostels and other establishments to accommodate the overflow of tourists.
Although the exact number of visitors during the Christmas period is yet to be compiled, Lalrodingi noted that tourists from within the country as well as overseas were seen attending church events and exploring destinations in and around the capital city.
While highlighting the positive trend, Hmar expressed concern that the reimposition of the Protected Area Permit (PAP) by the Centre in December last year had prevented many international tourists from visiting the state.
Official figures show that around 5.2 lakh tourists visited Mizoram during the 2024–25 financial year, marking a 139.5 per cent increase over the previous year. More than four lakh tourists, including 7,346 foreign visitors, arrived in the state between April and October alone.
The tourism momentum was further strengthened by a series of events, including a winter festival held from December 15 to 20 and Mizoram’s first-ever Christmas parade on December 23, led by Chief Minister Lalduhoma.
Looking ahead, the tourism department plans to organise more events to sustain the growth, including a year-end programme at Sakawrhmuituai hills on December 31 to mark the last sunset of the year, followed by mass angling events in January at the Tuivai river and Phuaibuang village in Saitual district. The state, Hmar said, is steadily positioning itself as a preferred winter and festive-season destination with a strong focus on hospitality and quality stay for visitors.
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