The Centre has recently outlined a comprehensive vision to develop the Matabari Tourism Circuit in Tripura as a global cultural and spiritual tourism destination. A review meeting on the project was chaired by Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, and attended by Manik Saha, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) and the Tripura government.

The meeting reviewed the overall development strategy for the Matabari circuit, with a strong focus on capacity building and meaningful engagement of local communities. Emphasis was placed on creating sustainable livelihood opportunities through tourism-led growth.

The Union Minister highlighted the need to institutionalise historical knowledge within tourism services by actively involving historians from Tripura. He stressed that structured training programmes for tourist guides and assistants should integrate authentic historical narratives with modern service practices.

Discussions also underlined the importance of preserving Tripura’s cultural antiquity while adopting an organic and natural development approach. Projects under the Matabari circuit are expected to visibly reflect the state’s history through sensitive design, soft aesthetics and promotion of local Tripura cuisine as a key element of the visitor experience.

The meeting further noted the need to include a niche, high-end tourism component alongside mass tourism, encouraging participation from leading hospitality players. This blended approach is expected to maximise economic benefits and position the Matabari circuit as a benchmark model for tourism development across the North Eastern Region and India.