In a significant move to strengthen rural tourism and livelihood opportunities, the Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission (TRLM) has initiated steps to introduce a community-managed homestay model across emerging tourist destinations in Tripura.
As part of this initiative, TRLM deputed a team of nine Block Development Officers (BDOs) to Himachal Pradesh to study and emulate its successful homestay facilities. The exposure visit focused on understanding best practices, operational models, community participation, and sustainability frameworks implemented in rural tourism projects.
During their visit, the officers toured Khushboo Homestay, operated by Shiv Shakti Self-Help Group under Gram Panchayat Shaleen, Village Brod, Block Naggar, in Kullu district. The homestay is managed by SHG member Dhani Devi and serves as a successful example of community-driven rural tourism generating sustainable income for local women.
Inspired by the Himachal model, TRLM plans to implement similar homestay interventions in key tourist destinations across Tripura, including:
- Jampui Hills
- Unakoti
- Dumboor Lake
- Chabimura
- Kalajhari Hills
- Tripura Sundari Temple (Matabari)
- Manu Bankul
- Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary
These locations have been identified as emerging tourism hubs with strong potential for community-based hospitality ventures.
According to TRLM officials, this is the first structured initiative undertaken by the Mission to promote homestay interventions at scale in the state. The proposed Budget for 2026–27 allocates over ₹70 crore under the Ministry of Rural Development to strengthen livelihood infrastructure, including the development of community-managed tourist facilities.
The initiative is expected to empower Self-Help Groups (SHGs), particularly women members, by creating sustainable income opportunities while simultaneously boosting Tripura’s tourism ecosystem.
Officials stated that detailed planning and implementation frameworks will soon be developed based on insights gathered from the Himachal Pradesh visit.
