Twelfth Sangai Tourism Festival Boosts its Tourism Growth and Economic Recovery, Highlighting New Cultural Pride and Eco-Tourism Potential of Manipur

Published on December 1, 2025

Manipur in India’s Northeast is all set for fast growth in tourism, after the successful completion of the 12th Sangai Tourism Festival 2025 in Imphal. Celebrating the pride of its culture and ecotourism potentials, this mega event also gives a fillip to the economic recovery of the state. An important outreach platform, the festival brought together key tourism stakeholders and visitors from across India and abroad in one place.

The event highlighted the rich indigenous heritage of Manipur and the fast-expanding tourism range of the state through various cultural events, starting from traditional sports to the Sangai Film Festival. These initiatives thus echo Manipur’s vision of sustainable tourism development combined with cultural preservation and economic growth.

Governor Bhalla’s Address: Strengthening Tourism Through Unity

Vaheng Davut, Secretary of State for the Ministry of Tourism, emphasized that the festival’s successful conclusion was a reflection of unity and resilience within the state. Despite the challenges faced—including the aftermath of the ethnic violence that disrupted the region’s tourism industry—the festival was able to thrive and deliver a message of “oneness”. This event has contributed to the revitalization of the tourism sector and highlighted the state’s ability to overcome adversity.

Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla acknowledged the festival’s significance, stating that tourism was a key pillar for economic recovery, cultural exchange, and community engagement. By attracting thousands of national and international tourists, the festival is set to drive tourism revenue and support local businesses, particularly in sectors such as hospitality, transportation, and local crafts.

The Tourism Impact on Local Economies

The tourism sector in Manipur has experienced remarkable growth, with destinations like Son My, Ly Son Island, Dak To, and Mang Den being recognized as emerging tourist hotspots. The Sangai Festival has further solidified Manipur’s status as a key player in India’s tourism market, attracting tourists who are eager to explore the state’s unique landscapes and cultural heritage.

The impact on the local economy is already visible, with tourism-related revenue providing a much-needed boost to small businesses, hotels, tour operators, and local artisans. As tourists flock to Manipur, they are contributing to job creation and boosting economic activity in areas such as hospitality, transport, and tourism services, creating a multiplier effect across the economy.

Strengthening Manipur’s Identity through Cultural Tourism

The success of the Sangai Tourism Festival is a testament to Manipur’s potential as a cultural tourism destination. The festival highlighted the state’s vibrant traditions, dance performances, traditional crafts, and local cuisine, allowing tourists to immerse themselves in the indigenous culture of Manipur. By promoting cultural tourism, the event has attracted visitors interested in experiencing the unique traditions and heritage that define the state’s identity.

This focus on cultural tourism is not only helping preserve Manipur’s heritage but is also contributing to the growth of the state’s tourism infrastructure, as more tourist-friendly services are developed. The festival has encouraged local communities to participate in tourism-related activities, generating both cultural pride and economic opportunities for residents.

The Role of Eco-Tourism in Manipur’s Tourism Growth

Manipur’s eco-tourism sector is also gaining traction, with the state’s natural landscapes—including forests, mountains, and rivers—becoming key attractions for environmentally conscious travelers. The integration of eco-tourism into the Sangai Festival has been instrumental in promoting sustainable travel options for tourists. Events focused on nature walks, wildlife conservation, and eco-lodging options allow travelers to connect with Manipur’s natural beauty in an environmentally responsible way.

The tourism industry in Manipur is aligning with the global trend of increasing demand for sustainable tourism, with a growing emphasis on preserving natural resources while promoting tourism growth. This approach is likely to attract eco-conscious tourists and investors interested in supporting sustainable tourism practices, ultimately contributing to long-term economic resilience.

Promoting Manipur’s Sustainable Tourism Vision

The state’s tourism vision is focused on creating sustainable tourism models that integrate cultural heritage with eco-tourism. Sothearith, Deputy Governor of Koh Kong, echoed the importance of tourism linking water, land, and nature as part of the broader strategy to enhance Manipur’s tourism offerings. By creating eco-friendly tourism experiences, the festival highlights the region’s commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation.

The development of sustainable tourism infrastructure and the promotion of local businesses are integral to Manipur’s long-term tourism strategy. By fostering local entrepreneurship and encouraging tourist engagement with indigenous communities, Manipur is ensuring that tourism remains a positive force for both economic growth and cultural preservation.

Future of Tourism in Manipur: Building a Resilient Sector

The success of the 12th Sangai Tourism Festival is just the beginning of Manipur’s tourism journey. As the state continues to invest in tourism infrastructure, cultural promotion, and eco-tourism development, the tourism sector will become an even more important driver of economic development. The festival has served as a catalyst for further tourism growth, demonstrating the resilience and potential of Manipur as a leading tourism destination in India.

Manipur’s Future as a Tourism Leader in India

The 12th Sangai Tourism Festival in Manipur reflected both the tourism potential and resilience of the state to challenges. With the state gearing up for eco-tourism, cultural tourism, and sustainable tourism initiatives, the future of Manipur’s tourism looks promising. Building on the success of this year’s festival, Manipur is emerging both as a must-visit destination within India but also a growing player in Southeast Asia’s tourism landscape. The success that has been achieved by this festival speaks volumes of the efforts put in by the state towards enhancing its tourism infrastructure, economic growth, and preservation of its rich cultural heritage for its future generation.