Comprehensive Vision to Position Tripura as a Global Cultural and Spiritual Tourism Destination

**Executive Summary** The Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia chaired a review meeting on December 18, 2025, focused on the development of the Matabari Tourism Circuit in Tripura. The objective is to position Tripura as a global cultural and spiritual tourism destination. It was advised that the Hon'ble Tourism Minister of Tripura take the Matabari circuit forward as a guidance model for not only the North Eastern Region, but for tourism development across India. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Tourism Development:** * Focus on developing the Matabari circuit as a model tourism destination. * Emphasis on capacity building for local communities. * Engage and motivate local people through tourism opportunities, especially in terms of sustained livelihoods. * **Historical Integration:** * Actively involve historians of Tripura in the tourism ecosystem. * Institutionalize the process of training tourist guides and assistants to impart authentic knowledge of the State's history. * Blend traditional knowledge with modern training practices. * **Aesthetic and Cultural Preservation:** * Ensure the development reflects the history of Tripura with soft aesthetics. * Promote local Tripura cuisine as part of the visitor experience. * **Niche Tourism:** * Include a high-end, niche component in the tourism circuit. * Encourage participation from major hospitality players. * Blend the niche segment with the mass tourism circuit to maximize benefits. **Impact Analysis** **Stakeholder:** *Tripura State Government (including Chief Minister and Tourism Minister)* * **Impact:** Responsible for shaping and implementing a forward-looking approach to tourism development in Tripura. Advised to position the Matabari circuit as a guidance model. * **Action Required:** Take forward the guidance model, positioning the Matabari circuit as a benchmark for the North Eastern Region, and implement strategies to develop the Matabari circuit accordingly. **Stakeholder:** *Local Communities in Tripura* * **Impact:** Will be engaged and motivated through the tourism opportunities created, particularly in terms of sustained livelihoods. The sustainability and integration of local knowledge will depend on their engagement. * **Action Required:** Participate in capacity building initiatives and engage in tourism activities to maximize benefits. **Stakeholder:** *Historians of Tripura* * **Impact:** Their knowledge of the State's history is crucial for providing authentic and informative experiences for tourists. * **Action Required:** Become actively involved in the tourism ecosystem, including training tourist guides and assistants. **Stakeholder:** *Hospitality Industry* * **Impact:** Major hospitality players are encouraged to participate, particularly in the high-end, niche component of the tourism circuit. * **Action Required:** Engage with the Tripura State Government and explore opportunities for investment and participation in the development of the Matabari Tourism Circuit.

Key Entities Referenced