Manipur will host its first ISL match on November 24 as Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and CM Khemchand attend World Tourism Day celebrations.
Imphal, Sept. 27: Manipur will host an Indian Super League (ISL) football match for the first time on November 24, the State Government announced on Sunday as Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh attended the World Tourism Day 2026 celebration at Sangai Ethnic Park in Moirang Khunou, Bishnupur district.
The World Tourism Day programme was held on the theme, “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism.” The event brought together government officials, elected representatives, tourism stakeholders and local communities to discuss the revival and future development of tourism in Manipur.
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla said the strength of Manipur’s tourism sector extends beyond its landscapes and monuments and is rooted in its people, communities and traditions.
He said the State’s distinctive way of life and traditions of welcoming visitors could form an important part of its tourism appeal. Referring to this year’s theme, Bhalla said technological changes were transforming the way people discover, experience and share destinations, creating opportunities for Manipur.
The Governor also said the government was promoting homestays to enable local families to convert their homes into tourist accommodation and ensure that tourism revenue reaches communities at the grassroots level.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said tourist arrivals in Manipur had declined sharply following the crisis that began in 2023.
According to the Chief Minister, around 1.75 lakh tourists visited Manipur before the crisis, a figure he said was higher than the tourist arrivals in Mizoram at the time. He said tourist arrivals in Mizoram had since crossed eight lakh, contributing to increased revenue in the neighbouring state.
Khemchand also referred to Sikkim, where he said annual tourist arrivals had crossed 17 lakh. He attributed the higher tourist inflow there to its stable law and order situation.
The Chief Minister said a peaceful environment was essential for the revival of tourism in Manipur. He noted that the sector had the potential to generate substantial revenue for the State but had suffered because of the prevailing law and order situation.
He said the government alone could not bring peace and called for collective efforts from all stakeholders.
Khemchand further said beautification of tourist destinations by itself would not be sufficient. He stressed the need to improve tourism itineraries as well as facilities and services to standards suitable for international visitors.
Tourism Minister Khuraijam Loken Singh said tourism was an important source of revenue for the State. He said initiatives aimed at generating revenue should not face unnecessary hindrances, as disruptions could slow the development process.
Loken also stressed the need for unity among Manipur’s 36 communities, saying that peace and development could not be achieved without it.
Thanga MLA Tongbram Robindro Singh said the future of tourism in Manipur should be community-centred. He said people from different sections of communities should have opportunities to participate in the tourism value chain and called for greater encouragement to young entrepreneurs developing tourism-related solutions based on local needs.
During the programme, Governor Bhalla launched the Manipur Tech Innovation Foundation (MTIF) Portal, while Chief Minister Khemchand relaunched the revamped Explore Manipur – Re-Imagining Tourism Portal.
The Governor presented awards to winners of the Re-Imagining Manipur Hackathon. The Chief Minister presented awards to bikers who took part in a bike rally organised in the early hours of Sunday as part of the World Tourism Day observance.
The State Government also announced that NorthEast United FC will bring the Indian Super League to Manipur for the first time, with an ISL match scheduled to be played in the State on November 24.
The programme included cultural dance performances and songs. The Governor and Chief Minister, along with other dignitaries, also inspected stalls arranged as part of the celebration.
The programme was organised by the Department of Tourism and attended by Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, MLAs, the Chief Secretary, DGP, senior administrative officials, senior security officers and local residents.
