Imphal: Tour operators in Manipur have urged Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to simplify the Protected Area Permit (PAP) process by allowing foreign tourists to apply before arriving in India, in a bid to boost international tourism in the state, according to a statement from Raj Bhavan.
A delegation led by H. Radhakrishna Sharma, State-in-Charge of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), Manipur, met the governor on Monday and submitted a memorandum highlighting the challenges faced in obtaining PAPs for foreign visitors.
The association proposed that the permit application process be integrated with visa issuance in the traveller’s home country, enabling a smoother entry process for international tourists. It further suggested that recognised tour operators and IATO members be authorised to apply for PAPs on behalf of their clients.
Governor Bhalla acknowledged the concerns raised by the delegation and appreciated their efforts to promote sustainable and responsible tourism in Manipur.
The Central government had reinstated the Protected Area Permit requirement in Manipur and two neighbouring northeastern states in December 2024, citing security considerations.
