Agartala:Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission (TRLM) has initiated the implementation of a community-managed homestay model in emerging tourist destinations in Tripura to promote rural tourism and create livelihood opportunities.As part of the initiative, TRLM has sent a team of nine block development officers (BDOs) to Himachal Pradesh to study and replicate homestay operations there. “The purpose of the exposure visit was to gain insights into best practices, operational frameworks, community engagement, and sustainability strategies employed in rural tourism projects,” a top official said here on Monday.TRLM plans to introduce similar homestay initiatives in Tripura at Jampui Hills, Unakoti, Dumboor Lake, Chabimura, Kalajhari Hills, Tripureswari temple (Matabari), Manu Bankul, and Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary.Officials said the sites were identified as emerging tourism hubs with potential for community-based hospitality projects, and described the move as the Mission’s first organized effort to promote homestays on a larger scale in the state.The proposed budget for 2026–27 earmarks over Rs 70 crore from the ministry of rural development to enhance livelihood infrastructure, including community-managed tourist facilities. TRLM said the initiative is expected to strengthen SHGs, particularly women members, through sustainable income opportunities while expanding Tripura’s rural tourism offerings.Officials said planning and implementation strategies, based on inputs from the Himachal Pradesh exposure visit, will be developed in the near future.
