In a significant step toward strengthening Tripura’s tourism potential, Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia chaired a high-level review meeting on the development of the Matabari Tourism Circuit in Tripura. The meeting, held on December 18, 2025, was attended by Chief Minister of Tripura Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha, senior officials from the Ministry of DoNER (MDoNER), and representatives of the Tripura State Government.
The discussions focused on shaping a comprehensive and sustainable tourism model that positions Tripura as a global destination for cultural and spiritual tourism.
Matabari Circuit as a Model Tourism Destination
The review assessed the overall strategy for developing the Matabari circuit as a benchmark tourism destination, with particular emphasis on inclusive growth. Shri Scindia highlighted the importance of capacity building and community participation, ensuring that local populations are meaningfully integrated into tourism-related activities and benefit through sustained livelihood opportunities.
The approach aims to transform tourism into a driver of socio-economic development while preserving the cultural essence of the region.
Institutionalising Historical Knowledge in Tourism
A key highlight of the meeting was the Minister’s emphasis on institutionalising historical knowledge within tourism services. Shri Scindia stressed that historians and subject-matter experts from Tripura should be actively engaged in the tourism ecosystem, particularly in training tourist guides and assistants.
This structured knowledge-sharing framework would ensure that visitors receive authentic, well-researched narratives about Tripura’s history, culture, and spiritual traditions, blending traditional scholarship with modern training methodologies.
Balancing Heritage with Modern Development
The discussions underscored that Tripura’s unique appeal lies in its ability to keep history alive within a contemporary setting. Development under the Matabari Tourism Circuit should reflect the State’s historical depth while maintaining soft aesthetics and an organic, natural approach to infrastructure and design.
Special emphasis was placed on promoting local Tripura cuisine as an integral component of the visitor experience, reinforcing the idea that food culture is a vital expression of regional identity.
High-End and Niche Tourism Integration
The meeting also highlighted the need to include a high-end, niche tourism component within the Matabari circuit. Shri Scindia encouraged the participation of major hospitality players to develop premium offerings, which would be seamlessly blended with mass tourism circuits to maximise economic benefits.
The Hon’ble Tourism Minister of Tripura was advised to take forward this model as a guidance framework, positioning the Matabari circuit as a standard for tourism development not only in the North Eastern Region but across the country.
Leadership and Way Forward
The meeting concluded with appreciation for the leadership of Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha, whose vision and guidance were acknowledged as instrumental in shaping a balanced, forward-looking, and culturally sensitive tourism strategy for Tripura.
Conclusion
The review meeting reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to developing the Matabari Tourism Circuit as a holistic, heritage-driven destination that blends spirituality, culture, community participation, and modern tourism practices. With a strong focus on authenticity, sustainability, and inclusive growth, the initiative aims to position Tripura firmly on the global tourism map while preserving its rich historical and cultural legacy.
For more real-time updates, visit Channel 6 Network.
Source: PIB
