Tripura tourism driving economic growth, says CM Manik Saha on World Tourism Day
Synopsis
On World Tourism Day, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha declared tourism a rising economic pillar for the state, pointing to increased tourist footfall, a second-place GSDP ranking among northeastern states, and ongoing investments in heritage site renovation and community skill development as proof that the strategy is already yielding results.
Key Takeaways
Tripura CM Manik Saha on 27 September (World Tourism Day) called tourism a key driver of the state's economic growth and GSDP.
Tripura ranks second among northeastern states in terms of GSDP, according to Saha.
The state government has developed and renovated temples, heritage sites, and tourist destinations , resulting in increased footfall.
Saha said the government is investing in skill development and training for local communities to participate in tourism-related activities.
Remarks were made after attending the 138th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat' at Baishnabtilla Community Hall, Agartala.
Saha posted on X promoting destinations including Neermahal and the Jampui Hills on the occasion.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Sunday, 27 September said that tourism was rapidly emerging as a key engine of the state's economic growth, with the potential to significantly boost the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) and create employment opportunities for the state's youth. His remarks came on the occasion of World Tourism Day, underlining the sector's strategic importance for the northeastern state.
What the Chief Minister Said
Speaking to the media after attending a live listening session of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 138th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat' at Baishnabtilla Community Hall near Amtali bypass on the outskirts of Agartala, Saha said the state government had undertaken development and renovation of temples, heritage sites, and tourist destinations. He credited the direction set by the Prime Minister for guiding these initiatives.
'Following the path shown by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we have developed and renovated various temples and heritage sites in Tripura. We are seeing the impact through an increase in tourist footfall,' Saha said.
The Chief Minister was accompanied at the event by BJP MLA Mina Rani Sarkar and other senior party leaders. The listening programme was organised by the Badharghat Mandal of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Tripura's Tourism Potential and GSDP Push
Saha noted that Tripura already ranks second among the northeastern states in terms of GSDP, and said that a sustained push in tourism could further strengthen that position. He argued that higher tourist footfall would have cascading economic benefits — generating revenue, creating local livelihoods, and expanding the services sector.
'Tourism has a major contribution to the economy, including revenue generation through GSDP and other sources. In many countries and regions, tourism has become a strong economic driver,' the Chief Minister said.
Infrastructure, Skill Development and Community Benefits
Beyond infrastructure upgrades, Saha said the government was focusing on skill development and training for local communities, enabling them to directly participate in and benefit from tourism-related economic activity. He stressed that the expansion of the sector must translate into tangible gains for residents living near tourist destinations.
The Chief Minister also underscored that sustainable economic and social development was only possible in an atmosphere of peace and stability — a pointed remark in a state that has historically navigated ethnic tensions.
World Tourism Day Message
On the occasion of World Tourism Day, Saha also took to social media platform X to highlight the state's natural and cultural assets. '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.
As Tripura continues to position itself as a tourism destination within the Northeast, the coming months will test whether infrastructure investments and community skilling can translate rising tourist interest into lasting economic gains for the state's young population.
Point of View
And tie it to the Prime Minister's narrative. The GSDP ranking claim is notable, but without comparative figures or independent verification, it is difficult to assess whether tourism is genuinely moving the needle or remains aspirational. Tripura's deeper challenge is connectivity: without improved air and road links, heritage site renovation alone will not sustain high tourist volumes. The skill-development angle is the most substantive element — if local communities are trained and employed, tourism's economic impact will be far more durable than footfall statistics suggest.
NationPress
27 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Tripura CM Manik Saha say about tourism on World Tourism Day?
Chief Minister Manik Saha said on 27 September that tourism was emerging as an important economic driver for Tripura, with the potential to boost the state's GSDP and create employment for youth. He cited increased tourist footfall at renovated temples and heritage sites as early evidence of the strategy working.
What is Tripura's GSDP ranking among northeastern states?
According to CM Manik Saha, Tripura currently ranks second among the northeastern states in terms of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). He said continued tourism development could further strengthen this position.
What tourism infrastructure steps has the Tripura government taken?
The state government has developed and renovated temples, heritage sites, and tourist destinations across Tripura. It is also focusing on improving tourism infrastructure and facilities, and providing skill development and training to local communities to enable them to benefit from the sector.
What is 'Mann Ki Baat' and why was CM Saha attending a session?
'Mann Ki Baat' is Prime Minister Narendra Modi's monthly radio and audio programme in which he addresses the nation on various themes. CM Saha attended a live listening session of the 138th episode at Baishnabtilla Community Hall near Amtali bypass, Agartala, organised by the Badharghat Mandal of the BJP.
Which tourist destinations in Tripura did CM Saha highlight?
In an X post on World Tourism Day, Saha highlighted Neermahal — known for its pristine waters — and the Jampui Hills, describing them as among the state's 'incredible treasures for every traveller'.
