In a bid to revitalize the tourism sector of Tripura, the state government is gearing up to launch the ‘Weekend Tourist Hub’ with the majestic Ujjayanta Palace taking center stage. Addressing a press conference on Friday, Minister for Transport and Tourism, Sushanta Choudhury, announced that the inauguration ceremony will take place on July 30.
The Ujjayanta Palace, presently functioning as the state museum, holds the rich historical legacy of Tripura, including exhibits on the Royal dynasty, cultural traditions, and remarkable art and artifacts from various tribes. In recent times, the palace has witnessed a surge in tourists and locals, particularly youths, flocking to its premises, especially during the evening hours.
“The ‘Weekend Tourist Hub’ at Ujjayanta Palace is designed to position Tripura as a top-priority tourist destination globally. It will welcome visitors every Saturday and Sunday, from 4 pm to 9 pm in summer and 3 pm to 8 pm in winter,” stated Minister Choudhury.
During the ‘Weekend Tourist Hub,’ a designated area spanning from Sherowalli Sweets to Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan and Jackson Gate Traffic Point will be declared a ‘No Vehicle Zone.’ To ensure visitors’ delight, the authorities have curated a host of attractions and amenities.
Exciting features of the hub include well-equipped mobile food stalls, enchanting paddle boating sessions in Radha Sagar within Ujjayanta Palace, and picturesque photo counters in the State Museum’s garden area, allowing visitors to capture memories dressed in traditional costumes and ornaments. Moreover, Ujjayanta Palace will remain open all year round, and in the evenings, an enthralling light and sound show will be held, complemented by culturally rich programs for entertainment.
Emphasizing on visitor safety, Minister Choudhury asserted, “Adequate security measures will be in place, with a significant presence of men and women police officers, watch towers, CCTV coverage, and plainclothes patrolling, ensuring a safe and secure experience for tourists.”
The ‘Weekend Tourist Hub’ launch aligns with the state government’s vision to not only boost revenue from tourism but also create employment opportunities for the youth. An extensive plan is underway to establish tourism as an alternative pillar of the state’s economy.
Underlining the commitment to showcasing Tripura as a world-class tourist destination, the Department of Tourism has undertaken multifaceted programs to attract tourists from both within the country and abroad. The state government has even appointed former cricket captain Sourav Ganguly as the brand ambassador for state tourism to further amplify its allure.
Supporting the development of tourism infrastructure, the central government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) are collaborating on various projects, evaluating funds for the enhancement of Amar Sagar and Fatik Sagar in Chitramura area and Amarpur city. Furthermore, a tender of Rs 63.72 crore has been invited for the creation of multi-purpose facilities and an adventure park at Sonamukhi tea garden in Kailashar of Unakoti district. Additionally, plans are underway to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the infrastructural development of Chaturdasa Devata Mandir, Kamalasagar Kali Mandir, and Niramhal, also funded by ADB.
With the launch of the ‘Weekend Tourist Hub’ and the concerted efforts to enhance tourism infrastructure, Tripura is poised to enchant travelers and paint a vibrant picture of its cultural heritage and natural splendor to the world.
