Tourism to Become the Foundation of Tripura’s Alternative Economy: Tourism Minister

Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury on Tuesday announced that Tripura’s tourism sector will serve as a cornerstone of the state’s alternative economy in the coming years. He emphasized that the industry would contribute significantly to the economic and social development of local communities.

Addressing a discussion in the state assembly on a private member’s resolution moved by MLA Ranjit Das, the minister highlighted the government’s commitment to revamping Tripura’s tourism sector with financial support from both the central and state governments. He assured that within the next two years, the tourism industry in Tripura would reach a remarkable level of growth.

Call for Strengthening Tourism Infrastructure

The private member’s resolution tabled by MLA Ranjit Das urged the government to:

1. Enhance essential facilities at all major tourist destinations to improve the experience for visitors.

2. Make tourist spots more attractive and visually appealing to attract both domestic and international tourists.

3. Utilize the tourism sector for greater employment generation, especially for the unemployed youth of the state.

4. Ensure the preservation and beautification of existing tourist sites to maintain their aesthetic and historical value.

In his remarks, MLA Ranjit Das stressed the immense potential of the tourism sector in boosting employment opportunities and strengthening the state’s economy. He called for greater focus on infrastructure development and promotion strategies to elevate Tripura’s tourism industry to national and international standards.

Tourism Minister Blames Previous Government for Slow Progress

Responding to the discussion, Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury criticized the previous government’s failure to capitalize on tourism development opportunities. He revealed that due to their inefficient policies, nearly ₹22.91 crore in central funds meant for tourism projects had to be returned.

In contrast, the current government has significantly increased the tourism budget to approximately ₹150 crore, signaling a strong commitment to boosting the industry.

Minister Chowdhury quoted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision that tourism must be prioritized to drive India’s overall economic growth, adding that Tripura is actively working toward this goal.

Major Tourism Development Projects in Progress

The minister outlined several key initiatives undertaken to modernize and expand the tourism sector:

• Completion of the PRASAD Scheme Project at Tripureswari Temple:

  • Development work under the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) scheme at Mata Tripureswari Temple is nearing completion.

• India-Bangladesh Friendship Park (Maitri Udyan) Development:

  • Located in Chottakhola, the India-Bangladesh Friendship Park has received ₹4.5 crore for infrastructure development, with 11 new facilities built to enhance the tourist experience.

• Light & Sound Show at Ujjayanta Palace:

  • A state-of-the-art light and sound show has been launched at Ujjayanta Palace, offering visitors an immersive historical experience.

• India’s Longest Laser Show at Jagannath Dighi, Agartala:

  • A record-breaking laser show has been introduced at Jagannath Dighi, making it the longest of its kind in India.

• Water Tourism Promotion with Silent Boats:

  • To promote eco-friendly water tourism, the government will purchase 50 silent boats, which will provide a unique and tranquil experience for visitors.

• Luxury Tourist Transport Facilities:

  • To improve transportation for tourists, two ultra-modern ‘Armania’ buses have been purchased at ₹68 lakh, ensuring comfortable travel across the state’s key tourist destinations.

Boosting Homestay Culture & Rural Tourism

The state government plans to introduce a dedicated policy to popularize homestay tourism.

• Currently, Tripura has around 40-50 registered homestays, but efforts are being made to expand the concept further, particularly in rural and eco-tourism hotspots.

• The policy aims to provide a boost to local entrepreneurship and enable tourists to experience the state’s rich culture and traditions up close.

Surge in Tourist Inflow & Revenue Growth

Minister Sushanta Chowdhury provided data on the significant growth of the tourism sector in recent years:

• Between 2013 and 2018:

  • Total tourists (domestic & international): Over 20 lakh

  • Revenue generated: ₹19.42 crore

• Between 2018 and 2025:

  • Total tourists (domestic & international): Over 28 lakh

  • Revenue generated: ₹31.72 crore

This 40% increase in tourist footfall and revenue growth reflects the success of recent government initiatives.

Global Promotion Strategy for Tripura’s Tourism

The Tourism Department has launched aggressive promotional campaigns to market Tripura as a top-tier travel destination.

• The state is leveraging digital media, travel expos, and international tourism fairs to attract visitors.

• Special focus is being given to heritage tourism, eco-tourism, adventure tourism, and pilgrimage tourism.

Unanimous Approval of the Resolution

Following the detailed discussion, the Tripura Legislative Assembly unanimously passed the private member’s resolution, endorsing the government’s commitment to enhancing tourism infrastructure and global outreach efforts.

The government’s long-term vision is to position Tripura as a leading travel destination in India, with the tourism industry becoming a major pillar of the state’s economy in the coming years.