To boost tourism, Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha proposed innovative heli-tourism at tourist spots and seaplane service at Narikelkunj, new homestay guidelines, and enhanced regional connectivity. Learn about the state’s initiatives to attract investment and promote North Eastern tourism at the High-Level Task Force meeting.
Agartala (Tripura) June 4: In a concerted effort to elevate Tripura’s tourism potential, Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha has called for the introduction of Heli-services to make the tourist spots attractive and a seaplane service at Narikelkunj in Dumbur, seeking support from the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER).
Speaking at the second virtual meeting of the High-Level Task Force for tourism promotion in the North Eastern region, convened by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, Dr Manik Saha outlined a vision to position Tripura as a premier tourist destination. The meeting, attended by Union DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and key stakeholders, focused on strategic frameworks to attract investment and enhance tourism infrastructure across the North East.
During the meeting, Chief Minister Professor (Dr.) Manik Saha emphasized the need to create a strategic framework to attract national and international investments by identifying high-potential areas and projects in the North Eastern states.
He stressed the importance of evaluating current investment practices, reviewing tourism policies, investment incentive schemes, and regulatory frameworks to foster a more conducive environment for growth. Highlighting the initiatives and steps taken by the state government, he noted that the State Tourism Department is actively participating in various roadshows and North Eastern Investment Conferences to attract tourism investments.
Steps have also been taken to upgrade existing tourist lodges. To showcase Tripura’s tourism potential globally, the Chief Minister mentioned that the Tourism Department and the Information and Cultural Affairs Department are jointly working on creating a calendar of tourism events and festivals, alongside undertaking various promotional programs.
Highlighting Tripura’s proactive measures, including new homestay guidelines, upgraded tourist facilities, and improved regional connectivity, Dr Saha emphasized the state’s commitment to sustainable tourism growth.
To enhance the appeal of tourist destinations in the state, Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha has urged the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) to provide necessary assistance for the commissioning of a seaplane service at Narikelkunj in Dumbur.
Dr Saha raised these proposals during the second meeting of the High-Level Task Force constituted by the Union DoNER Ministry under the convenorship of Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma for the promotion of tourism in the North Eastern region.
Union DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and other task force members also participated in the virtual meeting held today.
Joining the Chief Minister from the state administration were Dr. P. K. Chakraborty, Secretary to the Chief Minister; L. T. Darlong, Secretary of the Planning Department; and U. K. Chakma, Secretary of the Tourism Department. The meeting was attended virtually from the video conference hall at the Secretariat.
During the discussion, Dr Manik Saha emphasized the need for a strategic framework to attract national and international investments by identifying high-potential areas and projects in the North Eastern states.
He also underscored the importance of evaluating current investment practices, reviewing tourism policies, investment incentive schemes, and regulatory frameworks to create a more conducive environment for growth.
Highlighting the progress made since the first High-Level Task Force meeting, the Chief Minister shared several state initiatives.
Dr Saha noted that new homestay guidelines have been introduced to promote the tourism industry, with 48 homestays currently operational across different parts of the state and also emphasized that these homestays play a significant role in boosting tourism.
Dr. Saha also mentioned that a delegation led by the Regional Executive Director of NER and the Director of MBB Airport had recently visited Kailashahar Airport as part of the initiative to expand regional air connectivity.
“There are 29 registered tour operators under the Tripura Tourism Development Corporation,” he added. “A lease agreement has been signed between the State Tourism Department and the Indian Hotels Company Limited for establishing the Taj Pushpabanta Palace Hotel in the state. The Tourism Department continues to actively participate in roadshows and North Eastern Investment Conferences to attract tourism investment. Steps are also being taken to upgrade existing tourist lodges.”
The meeting also saw the participation of Arunachal Pradesh Tourism Minister Pasang Dorji Sona, Sikkim Tourism Minister Tshering T. Bhutia, and other stakeholders from across the region.
