Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr Manik Saha on Sunday said tourism is emerging as a key driver of Tripura's economic growth and has the potential to generate large-scale employment opportunities for the state's youth.
The Chief Minister made the remarks after attending a special programme organized by BJP Mandal-14 at Baishnav Tilla Community Hall near the Amtali Bypass to listen to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 138th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat'. BJP MLA Meena Rani Sarkar, senior party leaders, workers and a large number of supporters also attended the event.
Speaking to the media on the occasion of World Tourism Day, Dr Saha said the state government has undertaken extensive development and renovation of temples, heritage sites and tourist destinations in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. These initiatives, he said, have already started yielding positive results with a steady increase in tourist footfall across the state.
"Tourism has immense potential to contribute to Tripura's economy by creating both direct and indirect employment opportunities. As more tourist destinations are developed and visitor numbers increase, new avenues of livelihood will open up, particularly for our youth," the Chief Minister said.
He said the government is working to improve tourism infrastructure and promote Tripura's natural beauty, historical architecture and cultural heritage to attract more visitors. According to him, strengthening the tourism sector will not only boost the state's economy and Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) but also help make young people self-reliant.
Dr. Saha noted that Tripura currently ranks second among the northeastern states in terms of GSDP and stressed that tourism plays a significant role in revenue generation and economic development. He also highlighted the government's focus on skill development and training for local communities to enable them to actively participate in tourism-related activities and benefit economically from the sector.
Emphasizing that sustained development is possible only in an atmosphere of peace and stability, the Chief Minister said the government remains committed to creating a conducive environment for economic growth and investment.
The programme also highlighted various social issues, development initiatives undertaken by the Central and State governments, and the importance of public participation in nation-building.
Later, in a post on X, Dr. Saha extended greetings on World Tourism Day, inviting visitors to explore Tripura's rich heritage and scenic beauty.
"On World Tourism Day, let us celebrate the breathtaking beauty, rich heritage and vibrant culture of Tripura. From the pristine waters of Neermahal to the serene hills of Jampui, our state holds incredible treasures for every traveller. Come, explore the unexplored," he wrote.