The Union Minister of State for Tourism and Petroleum and Natural Gas, Suresh Gopi on his maiden visit to Tripura on Tuesday reviewed the ongoing tourism-related projects of the state.

Soon after arrival at Agartala airport for his three days state visit, famous Malayalam film actor, playback singer, television presenter and politician who is currently serving as the Minister of State met Tripura's Tourism minister Sushanta Chowdhury and state Tourism secretary U K Chakma.

Speaking with media persons during a review meeting held at State Guest House in Agartala, Union Minister Suresh Gopi has announced significant advancements in Tripura's tourism sector and  emphasized on spiritual and adventure tourism.

Highlighting the need for adopting Kerala’s tourism model, Gopi said that Tripura has huge potential in the tourism sector and the department must adopt professionalism for boosting tourism, which will create more doors for employment opportunities for the state's youths.

He said that the government has taken steps for the development of spiritual and adventure tourism which will soon take on a new shape.

He also highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent interviews with Malayalam channels, where Modi suggested that Kerala's tourism model should inspire tourism across India.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that India’s tourism can mirror Kerala's," Gopi stated, advocating for national adoption of Kerala's unique tourism elements for enhanced sector outcomes. He also outlined plans to innovate spiritual and adventure tourism.

Regarding ongoing projects, Gopi  said that the ongoing projects  need increased funding and he also assured to take the matter up with the Union Cabinet Minister of Tourism.

There are new initiatives and had discussed excellent ideas, but the implementation requires cabinet approval, said Gopi. He also stressed rural tourism and suggested the state’s Tourism department to organize festivals in rural areas with participation of other states of the country and renowned sporting personalities of the country.

“This will boost up the state’s tourism with more income generation opportunities and the department must adopt one month as Tripura Month of Tourism,” said Gopi.

Tripura Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury said that they had a thorough discussion on ongoing projects with senior officials present.

The department had a detailed discussion with the MoS Suresh Gopi on the ongoing tourism-related projects and future plan of the state's tourism, said Chowdhury.

Recently, the state has made former India cricket team captain Saurav Ganguly a brand ambassador for promoting state's tourist spots not only nationally but also globally.

During the review meeting, the director of Tourism department Prasant Badal Negi through his presentation has highlighted the increase of tourists in Tripura during the past few years.

In the review meeting, the Secretary of Tourism department Uttam Kumar Chakma demanded resumption of air connectivity in the routes Agartala to Aizawal, Shillong and Dibrugarh.

Gopi also chaired a review meeting with ONGC at Tripura Asset and visited the Akhaura Border Check Post on Tuesday evening.   The Union Minister will pay a visit to Unakoti Archaeological site in North Tripura district on Tuesday.