Manipur’s tourism officials highlight AI and digital technology as tools to transform visitor experiences, promote local culture and support sustainable tourism.
Imphal, Sept. 23: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technology have the potential to transform tourism in Manipur by creating new ways for visitors to discover, experience and engage with the state, officials said at the valedictory session of the “Re-Imagining Manipur: Hackathon 2026”.
The hackathon was jointly organised by the Department of Information Technology and the Department of Tourism, Government of Manipur, at IT-SEZ, Mantripukhri, Imphal, in connection with the upcoming World Tourism Day.
Director of Information Technology G. Robert Sharma said the hackathon provided a platform for AI and digital firms to present innovative ideas and solutions that could help create a new dimension for tourism in Manipur.
Speaking at the valedictory session, Sharma said the programme was organised around the theme of the upcoming World Tourism Day, “Digital Agenda and AI to Redesign Tourism”. The initiative sought to explore the potential of AI and digital technology in transforming the state's tourism sector, he said.
A total of 61 teams participated in the competition, including seven teams from outside Manipur that took part online. Around 150 participants were involved in the hackathon.
According to Sharma, the initiative was aimed at encouraging innovation, promoting the use of emerging technologies and exploring new avenues for the growth and development of tourism in the state.
Secretary (Tourism) N. Kheda Varta Singh, IRS, said the participation of 61 teams reflected the creativity, enthusiasm and talent of the state's youth. He said the participants had shown a willingness to take on challenges and explore innovative approaches to problem-solving.
Singh said tourism now extends beyond physical destinations and includes the entire digital journey of a visitor — from discovering Manipur and accessing information to experiencing its culture, interacting with local communities and sharing those experiences.
He said technology could also help showcase Manipur's cultural heritage and natural beauty, promote local products and artists, and support tourism experiences that are more sustainable, accessible and responsive to visitors.
Singh urged the participants to continue developing their ideas after the hackathon by refining and testing their concepts and working towards practical solutions that could contribute to the growth of tourism in Manipur.
Secretary (IT) Somorjit Salam, IAS, and Director (Tourism) Khumanthem Diana Devi, IAS, were also present at the programme.
