A high-level delegation from the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) met Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Raj Bhavan recently to discuss pressing issues affecting the state’s tourism sector and explore ways to position Manipur more prominently in the global travel market.
The delegation was led by Ravi Gosain, President, IATO, along with Rajiv Mehra, Immediate Past President; Radhakrishna Sharma, IATO State In-charge – Manipur; and E.B. Blah, IATO State In-charge – Meghalaya.
During the meeting, the delegation highlighted several longstanding challenges faced by tour operators and other industry stakeholders in the state. Key concerns included:
- Restrictions and procedural complexities under the Protected Area Permit (PAP) system, which continue to deter international tourists.
- Limited air connectivity and inadequate tourism infrastructure, hampering ease of travel and overall visitor experience.
- The need for stronger, strategic tourism promotion, especially in overseas markets, to build Manipur’s competitiveness as an emerging destination.
The IATO representatives assured the Governor of the association’s full support in helping accelerate tourism development in Manipur. They stressed the importance of simplifying permit procedures, improving air and road connectivity, and ensuring Manipur’s presence at major international travel marts.
Governor Bhalla welcomed the delegation’s inputs and expressed his support for initiatives aimed at strengthening Manipur’s tourism ecosystem. He noted that enhanced tourism growth would play a crucial role in boosting the region’s socio-economic development.
The meeting followed IATO’s participation in the 3rd Manipur Tourism Congress, held on 26 November 2025. At the event, Gosain and Mehra addressed a panel discussion on “Partnership for Progress”, where Gosain underscored the significance of closer collaboration between government bodies, tourism associations, and private stakeholders. He reiterated IATO’s commitment to promoting small and emerging destinations, adding that the association’s extensive national and international networks can significantly enhance Manipur’s visibility among global tour operators and travellers.