To enhance the appeal of tourist destinations in the state, Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha has urged the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) to provide necessary assistance for the commissioning of a seaplane service at Narikelkunj in Dumboor.

Dr Saha raised these proposals during the second meeting of the High-Level Task Force constituted by the Union DoNER Ministry under the chairmanship of Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma for the promotion of tourism in the North Eastern region.

Union DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and other task force members also participated in the virtual meeting held  on Wednesday.

Joining the Chief Minister from the state administration were Dr P. K. Chakraborty, Secretary to the Chief Minister; L. T. Darlong, Secretary of the Planning Department; and U. K. Chakma, Secretary of the Tourism Department. The meeting was attended virtually from the video conference hall at the Secretariat.

During the discussion, Dr Saha emphasized the need for a strategic framework to attract national and international investments by identifying high-potential areas and projects in the North Eastern states.

He also underscored the importance of evaluating current investment practices, reviewing tourism policies, investment incentive schemes, and regulatory frameworks to create a more conducive environment for growth.

Highlighting the progress made since the first High-Level Task Force meeting, the Chief Minister shared several state initiatives.

Dr Saha noted that new homestay guidelines have been introduced to promote the tourism industry, with 48 homestays currently operational across different parts of the state and also emphasized that these homestays play a significant role in boosting tourism.

Dr Saha also mentioned that a delegation led by the Regional Executive Director of NER and the Director of MBB Airport had recently visited Kailashahar Airport as part of the initiative to expand regional air connectivity.

“There are 29 registered tour operators under the Tripura Tourism Development Corporation,” he added. “A lease agreement has been signed between the State Tourism Department and the Indian Hotels Company Limited for establishing the Taj Pushpawant Palace Hotel in the state. The Tourism Department continues to actively participate in road shows and North Eastern Investment Conferences to attract tourism investment. Steps are also being taken to upgrade existing tourist lodges.”

The meeting also saw the participation of Arunachal Pradesh Tourism Minister Pasang Dorji Sona, Sikkim Tourism Minister Tshering T. Bhutia, and other stakeholders from across the region.