Tourism Minister Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar Meets NITI Aayog Member Dr. V.K. Paul to Discuss Proposed Tourism Conclave

New Delhi, February 2026: Mizoram Tourism Minister Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar met Dr. V.K. Paul, Member of NITI Aayog, at the NITI Aayog Headquarters in New Delhi to discuss the proposal for organising a Tourism Conclave in Mizoram. Representatives from ITDC and the Tourism Wing under NITI Aayog were also present at the meeting.

During the meeting, Tourism Minister Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar stated that the number of tourists visiting Mizoram has increased significantly over the last two years. He pointed out that following the commissioning of the Sairang railway line in September 2025, tourist inflow has exceeded expectations. “At present, Aizawl can be reached from Guwahati within a day. With improved air and rail connectivity, we expect tourist arrivals to increase further. However, there is still a lot to be done in terms of arrangements to receive visitors, including accommodation, food facilities, and the development of places to visit and activities to engage in. Despite our best efforts, we have certain limitations,” he said, requesting NITI Aayog’s cooperation and support in these initiatives.

The Tourism Minister further emphasized that Mizoram’s beauty lies not in massive infrastructure but in its natural landscape, and stressed the importance of promoting tourism without damaging its scenic hills, valleys, rivers, and lakes.

NITI Aayog Member Dr. V.K. Paul remarked that Mizoram has recently achieved a 100 per cent literacy rate and described it as a peaceful and attractive state for visitors. He said the proposed Tourism Conclave would be an appropriate platform to showcase Mizoram’s strengths and beauty, and assured that NITI Aayog would extend full cooperation to the Mizoram government wherever required. He also underlined the need to formulate a comprehensive Tourism Policy that would benefit not only visitors but also guide and involve local communities.

During the meeting, it was proposed that the Mizoram Tourism Conclave be held in Aizawl or nearby areas, preferably during the latter half of the year when the weather is pleasant. It was also suggested that the conclave could be organised on a larger scale by aligning it with events such as the International Tourism Mart or existing festivals in Mizoram.

As part of the preparatory process, it was decided that a detailed meeting would be held in New Delhi later in the first half of this year. This meeting would include key government officials as well as prominent stakeholders from the tourism sector based in Delhi, with NITI Aayog taking the lead. Representatives of tourism-related enterprises actively operating in Mizoram would also be invited to participate.

The meeting at the NITI Aayog Headquarters was attended by Pu Alexander V. Chongthu, Additional Resident Commissioner, Mizoram House, New Delhi, and Pu H. Lalramenga, Personal Secretary, who accompanied the Minister.

Later in the day, Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar, who also holds the portfolio of Sports Minister, met Pu Hari Ranjan Rao, Secretary (Sports), Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports. The two discussed various initiatives and future plans related to the development of sports in Mizoram.