Foreign Tourist Footfalls: State second in Northeast, says Sushanta Chowdhury
Agartala, Dec 10: Tripura is rapidly emerging as a preferred destination for international travelers, securing the second position among Northeastern states in terms of foreign tourist footfalls, according to the state’s Tourism Minister, Sushanta Chowdhury.
The Minister shared this promising update today during a press conference in Agartala, held in connection with the upcoming Unity Promo Fest 2025.
The festival, slated for December 12 at the Swami Vivekananda Maidan in Agartala, is a significant part of the state’s strategy to amplify its tourism potential.
Star-Studded Attraction and Tourism Boost
The last leg of the Unity Promo Fest 2025 will feature performances by popular Bollywood singer Jubin Nautiyal. Adding to the star power is former Indian Cricket Captain and Tripura Tourism Brand Ambassador, Sourav Ganguly, whose presence is expected to draw substantial attention.
Besides, Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha, Ministers, MLAs and other dignitaries will also remain present.
Minister Chowdhury explained that the incumbent government is deeply committed to improving infrastructure and showcasing the rich cultural heritage and traditions of both the state’s residents and the indigenous communities.
B2B Meetings Drive International Interest
A key component of the Promo Fest for bolstering tourism is the successful organization of Business-to-Business (B2B) meetings with domestic and international tour operators. These interactions have been instrumental in highlighting Tripura’s diverse tourism offerings, leading many operators to formulate new package tours in collaboration with local agencies.
The success of these meetings is evident in the burgeoning participation:
- Last year: 78 tour operators attended a B2B meeting with Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha.
- This year: The number has swelled to 122 tour operators from 27 Indian states and four neighboring countries: Thailand, Bhutan, Malaysia, and Myanmar.
The Minister expressed confidence that the increased international participation, particularly from the four neighboring countries, is expected to further enhance the foreign tourist count.
Focus on ‘Unity’ and Local Economy
Minister Chowdhury emphasized the significance of the word ‘Unity’ being incorporated into the festival’s name. “We have added ‘Unity’ with the Promo Fest, promoting peace and harmony while simultaneously highlighting the food, attire, culture, and heritage of the local people to attract tourists,” he stated. He underscored the belief that the anticipated growth in tourism will provide a substantial boost to the local economy.
State-Wide Success to Culminate in Agartala
The Agartala event marks the final leg of the Unity Promo Fest 2025, which successfully kicked off on November 8 at Narkel Kunj, witnessing massive attendance from indigenous communities.
Subsequent successful editions were held across other districts, including Belonia, Udaipur, Jampui Hill, and Neermahal.
The Minister highlighted the record footfalls observed in these previous district-level programs and expressed hope that the Agartala event will surpass all previous attendance records. He requested cooperation from pass holders and the general public to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of the program.
The Tourism Department will be issuing free passes to the public until Thursday, December 11.
