The Tripura state government’s comprehensive program to elevate state tourism to international prominence has seen remarkable success. The appointment of former Indian cricket team captain, Sourav Ganguly, as the brand ambassador of Tripura tourism in October 2023 has been a significant catalyst in this growth, said Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury.
He said, there has been a substantial increase in both tourist arrivals and revenue for the state. In support of his statement, the Minister presented comparative data for October, November, and December for the fiscal years 2022-23 and 2023-24.
In the fiscal year 2022-23, the state welcomed a total of 84,217 tourists during these three months, including 5,964 foreign tourists, generating revenue of Rs 1.02 crore. However, in the fiscal year 2023-24, the number of tourists visiting the state in the same period rose dramatically to 1,55,183, with foreign tourists numbering 19,614. This surge in tourism led to a revenue increase, with the department generating Rs 1.23 crore.
Minister Chowdhury attributed this growth to the appointment of Sourav Ganguly as the brand ambassador and expressed optimism about the future of state tourism.
The minister also outlined several developmental programs planned for the enhancement of state tourism. Among these initiatives is the construction of 51 log huts and 41 of which are already operational, with the remaining 10 set to open soon.
Chowdhury said, the state government set to launch 11 homestays in the area adjacent to Narikelkunj on February 12. Later, 4 homestays in Jampui Hills would be set up. Plans are also in place to introduce similar homestays in different districts of the state. For this purpose, the state government aims to introduce a Homestay Policy.
The Minister also said, Government has taken a plan to develop four more islands near Narikelkunj – Chittapara, Amulyasadhanpara, and Twin Island – for tourists under the North East Special Infrastructure Development Project of the Ministry of DoNER. This project has received an initial approval of Rs 30 crore and the process of DPR preparation is undergoing.
The minister further highlighted that the tourism infrastructure of Chbabimura, Sonamukhi area of Kailashahar, Chaturdasha Devta Mandir, and Kasba Kali Mandir complex will be developed with the assistance of the Asian Development Bank. For Chaturdasha Devta Mandir, and Kasba Kali Mandir expenditure is pegged at Rs 12 crore 51 Lakh and Rs 17 crore 66 lakh.
The Government of India has sanctioned Rs 37.8 crore under the Prasad project for the development of Mata Tripurasundari Mandir.
Furthermore, the Agartala and Unakoti destinations have been approved by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 project. For these two destinations, a total of Rs 140 crore – Rs 70 crore for each – would be available under the central scheme. The minister expressed hope that a total of Rs 140 crore will be received for these two destinations.
The state government has also initiated the purchase of a state-of-the-art houseboat for the Dumbur reservoir.