Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission Pioneers Community Homestay Model
The Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission (TRLM) has embarked on an ambitious initiative to establish a community-managed homestay model across emerging tourist destinations within the state. This strategic move aims to significantly promote rural tourism while simultaneously creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local residents.
Learning from Himachal Pradesh's Success
As a foundational step, TRLM dispatched a delegation of nine block development officers (BDOs) to Himachal Pradesh. The purpose of this exposure visit was to conduct an in-depth study of successful homestay operations in that region. A senior official elaborated on Monday, stating, "The primary objective was to gain comprehensive insights into best practices, operational frameworks, community engagement methodologies, and long-term sustainability strategies employed in established rural tourism projects." The knowledge acquired is intended to be meticulously adapted and replicated within Tripura's unique context.
Eight Key Destinations Identified for Development
TRLM has pinpointed eight specific locations across Tripura for the initial rollout of these community homestay initiatives. The selected sites are:
- Jampui Hills
- Unakoti
- Dumboor Lake
- Chabimura
- Kalajhari Hills
- Tripureswari temple (Matabari)
- Manu Bankul
- Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary
Officials have identified these areas as burgeoning tourism hubs with substantial potential for community-based hospitality ventures. This initiative marks TRLM's first organized, large-scale effort to systematically promote homestays throughout the state.
Substantial Budget Allocation and Broader Impact
Financial backing for this project is robust. The proposed budget for the fiscal year 2026–27 allocates over ₹70 crore from the Ministry of Rural Development. These funds are earmarked specifically for enhancing livelihood infrastructure, which includes developing community-managed tourist facilities.
TRLM emphasizes that the initiative is designed to have a multifaceted impact. It is expected to significantly strengthen Self-Help Groups (SHGs), with a particular focus on empowering women members by providing them with sustainable income opportunities. Concurrently, the project aims to diversify and expand Tripura's overall rural tourism portfolio, offering visitors authentic local experiences.
Path Forward: Strategic Implementation
With the exposure visit complete, the mission's focus now shifts to detailed planning. Officials confirmed that comprehensive implementation strategies will be developed in the near future. These plans will be directly informed by the practical inputs and lessons learned from the Himachal Pradesh study tour, ensuring a data-driven and community-centric approach to launching Tripura's homestay ecosystem.
