A delegation from the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), Manipur, met the Governor of Manipur, Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla, at Raj Bhavan, Imphal, to discuss the ongoing challenges faced by tour operators in facilitating travel for foreign tourists to the state.
The delegation, led by H. Radhakrishna Sharma, State-in-Charge of IATO Manipur, submitted a formal representation requesting urgent reforms to the Protected Area Permit (PAP) system, which currently poses logistical hurdles to inbound tourism.
Key Concerns
According to the association, tour operators face frequent delays and uncertainties while applying for PAPs — a requirement for foreign visitors traveling to Manipur and other northeastern states. These procedural barriers, they said, discourage international tourists and limit the growth potential of Manipur’s emerging tourism market.
Proposed Solutions
The delegation proposed two key measures to simplify the process:
| Proposal | Description |
|---|---|
| Pre-arrival Permit Processing | Allow foreign tourists to apply for PAPs during visa processing in their home country. |
| Authorized Operator Access | Empower registered and approved tour operators, particularly IATO members, to apply for PAPs on behalf of their clients. |
The group emphasized that such changes would streamline approvals, reduce bureaucratic delays, and align Manipur’s tourism framework with international travel norms.
Governor’s Response
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla listened to the delegation’s concerns and commended their initiative in promoting sustainable and responsible tourism in the state. He assured the team that the issues raised would be carefully examined and taken up with the appropriate authorities.
Background
The Protected Area Permit system, governed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, restricts entry of foreign nationals to certain sensitive regions of India, including parts of the Northeast. While intended for security reasons, the process often results in travel delays and cancellations, affecting both operators and local economies dependent on tourism.
What’s Next
The IATO Manipur team expressed optimism that the state’s leadership and central authorities would consider policy adjustments to make Manipur more accessible to international travelers — especially at a time when the region is being promoted as a gateway to Southeast Asia under India’s Act East Policy.