Mizoram is aiming to capitalise on the growing concert economy by creating opportunities for local musicians and encouraging private organisers to host large-scale music events across the state, Tourism Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar said during the Mizoram Travel Fest 2026.
Speaking on the sidelines of the three-day event, Hmar said the state recognises the significant economic potential of music festivals and concerts but wants growth to be driven organically, with local artists playing a central role.
“Concert economy is a huge opportunity, but we want to ensure that local talent remains at the heart of its development,” he said.
As part of this effort, Mizoram will showcase homegrown talent at the upcoming Leitlangpui Music Festival in November. A local band that recently won a Yamaha music challenge will also perform at the festival after receiving recognition from the state government.
The government is also exploring the possibility of bringing major international artists and bands to Mizoram. Hmar revealed that an attempt was made last year to host a foreign band at the abandoned Tuirial Airstrip, where preparations had already begun. However, the plan could not be executed after the private organiser involved failed to deliver.
While discussions regarding international acts are ongoing, the minister stopped short of confirming any future performances. He said the government would be willing to support such events by providing venues and facilitating security arrangements, while private organisers would be responsible for the management and execution of concerts.
Inviting private event organisers to consider Mizoram as a destination for major music events, Hmar highlighted the state’s strong musical culture and enthusiastic audience base. He also welcomed the possibility of reviving large-scale gospel music concerts, which have traditionally attracted significant crowds in the state, and assured support for interested organisers.
Alongside efforts to promote music-led tourism, the Mizoram government is working to expand tourism activity beyond Aizawl through its community-based homestay programme, which was launched in September.
The initiative is currently in its early stages, with homestay owners and locations being identified across various constituencies. The government has asked MLAs to recommend suitable locations so that rural communities across the state can directly benefit from tourism-related economic opportunities.
Hmar said it was too early to assess the programme’s long-term sustainability, as selected homestays are only beginning operations. However, he emphasised that the initiative aligns with the state’s broader vision of sustainable and community-driven tourism.
The programme is expected to diversify the visitor experience beyond Aizawl, where most tourism activity is currently concentrated, while generating additional income opportunities for rural households. If developed alongside festivals, concerts and other large events, community-based homestays could also help meet accommodation demand in areas outside the state capital and create new livelihood opportunities for local residents.
By simultaneously promoting local musicians, exploring larger music events and investing in community-based tourism, Mizoram is seeking to build a more inclusive tourism ecosystem that benefits both cultural stakeholders and rural communities across the state.
