Agartala, Jul 09, 2024, By Our Correspondent
Union Minister of State for Tourism, Petroleum, and Natural Gas, Suresh Gopi, visited Tripura on Tuesday, emphasizing the government's focus on various schemes for promoting spiritual and adventure tourism. During his visit, he highlighted the immense potential for tourism development in Tripura and the significant employment opportunities it can generate.
After holding a meeting with officials from the Tripura Tourism Department, Gopi stated that the youth should be encouraged to become self-reliant through tourism initiatives supported by the Mudra loan scheme. He urged the state to adopt a competitive mindset and efficiently utilize the peak tourism period from September to March. Gopi suggested organizing various food, cultural, and tourism promotion events in different villages during this time, involving other states to enhance the appeal of these events.
He noted that involving well-known national-level players in these events could make them more attractive and innovative, thereby boosting tourism development and enhancing the state's revenue. Gopi also stressed the importance of environmental protection and ensuring proper arrangements at tourist sites for visitors.
Tripura Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury affirmed that the state is following the Centre's directives to promote tourism. According to the Tourism Department, Tripura saw a significant increase in tourist numbers in 2023-24, with 5,45,299 tourists, including over 4.69 lakh domestic tourists and the remainder being foreign tourists. This was a substantial rise from 2022-23, when the state received 2,84,836 tourists, including over 2.49 lakh domestic tourists and the rest foreign tourists.
During his visit, the Union Minister, accompanied by Chowdhury, also visited the Agartala-Akhaura Integrated Check Post (ICP). Gopi expressed optimism that with proper efforts, Tripura could become a model for tourism development in the entire country.