By Firstdespatch Desk Jul 28, 2023
Agartala, July 28 (FD) In a bid to elevate Tripura's standing as a premier tourist destination, the state is set to inaugurate the "Weekend Tourist Hub" in front of the main gate of Ujjayanta Palace on July 30. The announcement was made by Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury during a press conference held at the secretariat's press conference hall.
The Weekend Tourist Hub aims to establish Tripura as a top-notch centre for tourism and priorities it on the national and international tourism maps. Open every Saturday and Sunday, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. in summer and 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. in winter, the hub will be a new destination for fun and entertainment for the people of Agartala city and visitors alike.
The designated area from Sherowali Sweets to Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhawan and Jackson Gate traffic points will be declared a "no vehicle zone" during the Weekend Tourist Hub to ensure a hassle-free and pedestrian-friendly environment.
To attract visitors, the Weekend Tourist Hub will offer a range of amenities, including well-equipped mobile food stalls and paddle boating in Radhasagar at Ujjayanta Palace, allowing tourists to enjoy the picturesque surroundings. Visitors will have the opportunity to take pictures in traditional costumes and ornaments at photo counters in the garden area of the State Museum.
To enhance the experience, Ujjayanta Palace and the State Museum will remain open throughout the year, allowing tourists to delve into the rich heritage and culture of Tripura. Additionally, evening light and sound shows, exhibitions, and captivating cultural programmes will be organized to entertain and engage visitors.
The safety of tourists will be a priority, and the hub will have a sufficient number of women and men police, monitoring from watch towers and CCTV surveillance, and police patrolling in plain clothes.
The introduction of the Weekend Tourist Hub not only seeks to attract visitors and boost tourism but also generates revenue for the state government and creates employment opportunities for the youth. The government envisions tourism as a crucial alternative source of economic activity for the state and is committed to promoting Tripura as a world-class tourist destination to travelers both within the country and from abroad.
In a significant move, former cricket Captain Sourav Ganguly has been appointed as the brand ambassador of Raja Tourism to promote Tripura's tourism globally, further enhancing its appeal.
In collaboration with the central government, the state is actively developing and improving various tourist destinations through infrastructural projects. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is currently evaluating a tender of Tk 586.1 million for development works in Amarsagar and Fatiksagar in the Chitramura area and Amarpur city. Additionally, preparations are underway to create multi-purpose facilities for tourists at the Sonamukhi tea garden in Kailasha, Unakoti district, along with the construction of an adventure park.
Furthermore, the central government has approved the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 project, which aims to enhance modern infrastructure at various tourist centers, with an allocated budget of Rs. 140 crore. The completion of eight log huts at Narkelkunj Island in Oshu Reservoir is expected soon, providing tourists with a total of 23 log huts to enjoy their stay.
The Weekend Tourist Hub and these ongoing initiatives signify the government's strong commitment to making Tripura a prime destination for travelers, ensuring a prosperous and sustainable future for the state's tourism industry. FD SB JK