Mizoram government plans to hand over Tourist Lodges to the Private Sector
Mizoram Tourism Minister Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar announced that the state government is considering handing over its existing tourist lodges to private operators due to mounting financial losses.
Speaking during the Assembly session on Friday, the minister revealed that revenue generated from several government-run tourist lodges falls short of covering staff salaries. According to figures provided, the government spends approximately ₹44 lakh annually on employees’ salaries, while the total revenue generated by the lodges amounts to only around ₹25 lakh.
Although the lodges may appear to be a potential source of income, Mr. Hmar stated that they have in fact become a financial burden. He noted that some tourist lodges have never accommodated a single guest. In response, the government plans to renovate only those lodges that are generating revenue and, instead of constructing new facilities, will transfer the management of existing lodges to private firms.
Meanwhile, the Tourism Department has stepped up efforts to promote community-based tourism. As part of this initiative, interaction programmes have been organized in tourist-attracting villages, bringing together villagers and visitors. These events involve Village Councils (VCs), non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and individuals engaged in the tourism industry, with a focus on promoting hospitality and strengthening local participation.
The department also highlighted ongoing capacity-building programmes targeting stakeholders across the sector, including hotel and homestay operators, guesthouse owners, restaurant and café managers, tour operators and guides, taxi drivers, local council leaders, as well as content creators and social media influencers.
Mizoram Tourism Minister Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar announced that the state government is considering handing over its existing tourist lodges to private operators due to mounting financial losses.
Speaking during the Assembly session on Friday, the minister revealed that revenue generated from several government-run tourist lodges falls short of covering staff salaries. According to figures provided, the government spends approximately ₹44 lakh annually on employees’ salaries, while the total revenue generated by the lodges amounts to only around ₹25 lakh.
Although the lodges may appear to be a potential source of income, Mr. Hmar stated that they have in fact become a financial burden. He noted that some tourist lodges have never accommodated a single guest. In response, the government plans to renovate only those lodges that are generating revenue and, instead of constructing new facilities, will transfer the management of existing lodges to private firms.
Meanwhile, the Tourism Department has stepped up efforts to promote community-based tourism. As part of this initiative, interaction programmes have been organized in tourist-attracting villages, bringing together villagers and visitors. These events involve Village Councils (VCs), non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and individuals engaged in the tourism industry, with a focus on promoting hospitality and strengthening local participation.
The department also highlighted ongoing capacity-building programmes targeting stakeholders across the sector, including hotel and homestay operators, guesthouse owners, restaurant and café managers, tour operators and guides, taxi drivers, local council leaders, as well as content creators and social media influencers.