Imphal, Oct. 31 -- Manipur's tourism sector is showing signs of recovery after tourist arrivals dropped sharply following the outbreak of ethnic violence in May 2023, with state officials expressing optimism about a gradual revival in the coming years.

Tourist arrivals fell from around 1.6 lakh, including 5,400 foreign visitors, during the 2022-23 financial year to approximately 30,000 in 2025-26. However, officials said the trend was beginning to reverse as the law-and-order situation improved across much of the state, despite sporadic clashes between two tribal groups in the northern areas.

Manipur Tourism Commissioner Kheda Varta Singh said the central valley region, covering approximately 2,000 square kilometres, remained secure and...