Tripura is steering into a new era of tourism with Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha calling on the Ministry for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) to back innovative projects such as heli-tourism and seaplane services. 

The projects have been proposed to transform scenic destination Narkelkunja into a premium and adventure-infused tourist hubs.

Speaking during the second high-level meeting of the Union DoNER Ministry's Tourism Task Force, Dr. Saha highlighted the state's growing potential in the tourism sector. 

The meeting, chaired by Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma and attended virtually by Union DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and other key leaders, focused on creating a unified vision for Northeast tourism.

New Attractions on the Horizon:

Tripura is eyeing the skies and waters to attract tourists. The proposed heli-tourism routes and seaplane service at the picturesque Dumboor Lake region (Narikelkunja) are intended to make travel to remote and natural attractions more exciting and accessible. These plans align with the state’s broader vision of positioning itself as a nature-rich, culturally vibrant destination for both domestic and global travelers.

Tourism as a Growth Engine:

“We need a robust roadmap to tap the unexplored beauty of the Northeast and draw investments,” said Dr. Saha. He emphasized the need to revise tourism policies, incentive schemes, and regulatory frameworks to boost investor confidence.

Since the Task Force’s first meeting, Tripura has made rapid strides. A new Homestay Policy is already in effect, enabling local entrepreneurs and villagers to open their homes to tourists. With 48 homestays currently operational, the initiative is fostering rural tourism and generating local employment.

Celebrity Boost and Connectivity Drive:

Bolstering the state’s tourism campaign cricket icon Sourav Ganguly was recently roped in as the Brand Ambassador for Tripura Tourism. Events like “Promo Fests” were organized to showcase the state's rich culture, cuisine, and destinations to wider audiences.

To strengthen accessibility, a team from the Airports Authority of India recently surveyed the Kailashahar Airport, laying the groundwork for enhanced air connectivity in the state. These developments are set to complement the existing infrastructure at MBB Airport in Agartala.

Public-Private Push for Luxury Tourism:

The government is also bringing in luxury hospitality brands. A lease agreement with Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) will see the establishment of the Taj Pushpvant Palace Hotel in Tripura, expected to elevate the state’s tourism offerings significantly.

Tripura Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) is currently working with 29 registered tour operators, and the department is actively promoting the state through road-shows and participation in Northeast Investment Summits.

Festivals, Events, and Global Visibility:

In an effort to ensure year-round visibility, Tripura's Tourism and ICA Departments are collaborating to craft a comprehensive tourism calendar, focusing on events and festivals that celebrate the state’s natural beauty, tribal heritage, and artistic traditions.

The virtual session also witnessed participation from other Northeast states, including Arunachal Pradesh Tourism Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona and Sikkim Tourism Minister Shering T. Bhutia, marking a collective push for a tourism-led economic revival in the region.

With strategic planning and new projects, Tripura is setting its sights on becoming the next big destination in India’s travel map.