Tourism Minister Marks World Tourism Day, Mizoram Tourism Excellence Awards 2025, and Launches Anthurium Festival

Aizawl, Sept 2025: Tourism Minister Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar today presided over the celebration of World Tourism Day at the Tourist Lodge, Chaltlang Conference Hall organized by the Tourism Department. The Mizoram Tourism Excellence Awards 2025 were also presented on this occasion.

(World Tourism Day falls on September 27, but this year, due to convenience, it was celebrated on September 26 under the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”.)

Minister Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar highlighted in his speech that government initiatives and tourist inflow have shown remarkable progress. During 2024-2025, tourist arrivals increased by 139.50%, demonstrating effective collaboration between the Tourism Department and service operators.

He stated that the Mizoram government will organize new festivals and events under the Tourism Calendar 2026, ensuring tourism growth and vibrant cultural programs. Under horticulture initiatives, the Anthurium Festival will be held in Nakkum, Reiek, in early October.

The Minister emphasized the importance of agro-based tourism, ecotourism, and community-based tourism for boosting local economies, rural development, and livelihoods. Concert economy and film policy initiatives will also support community engagement and economic growth using tourism.

During the World Tourism Day celebration, Tourism Department Secretary Pu V. Lalsangliana, IAS, highlighted the implementation of the Mizoram Responsible Tourism Policy 2020. Tourism Department Director Pi R. Lalrodingi spoke about using tourism to enhance the local economy and promote social media awareness of government schemes like UNNATI and Bana Kaih.

Tourist Officer Pi C. Ramsangzuali administered the Responsible Travel Pledge, while Deputy Director Pi Rachel Lalrinhlui presented the Mizoram Tourism Excellence Awards to the winners, each receiving a citation and Rs. 10,000.

Mizoram Tourism Excellence Awards 2025 Winners:

1. Best Hotel – Royale Lalawi
2. Best Guesthouses, Lodges, Inns – Rest Inn, Chaltlang
3. Best Homestay – Giftland Homestay
4. Best Tour Operator – Flying Christabel Tours & Travels
5. Best Tour Guide – Lalhruaitluangi
6. Best Travel Agent – Glory Tours & Travels
7. Best Restaurant – Naamy
8. Best Standalone Catering Unit – Samuel Catering
9. Best Tourism Promoter – Tlauliana
10. Best Yuva Tourism Club – Govt. Hrangbana College
11. Best Two Wheeler Taxi – Lalremkima, ID No.501
12. Best Taxi Driver – H. Laldanmawia, MZ01-N-3182
13. Best City Bus – MZ01-AB-0080, Driver PC Lalthanmawia

Tourism Statistics of Mizoram (Selected Years)

• 2024-2025: Domestic tourists 518,873; Foreign tourists 5,911; Total 524,784; Growth 139.50%

Tourism Calendar (2025-2026)

• Pluck and Pay Festival – July
• Lo Zawh Pui – September
• Mizoram Travel Fest – October
• Anthurium Festival – October
• Hnahsin Kut (Champhai Nature Conservancy) – October
• Leitlangpui Music Festival – November
• Mizoram Mountain Challenge – December
• Winter Festival – December

State Budget Projects for Tourism

• PM Ekta Mall – Rs. 12,700 lakh (SASCI)
• PRASHAD Basic Amenities – Rs. 547.32 lakh
• Eco-tourism, resorts, ropeways, golf courses, heritage centers, and convention centers – Total Rs. 35,798.22 lakh

Citizen Pledge for Tourism:
Tourists pledged to respect destinations, avoid littering, promote cultural sites, and support sustainable tourism.