Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha will inaugurate Tripura Tourism Promo Fest 2024, the first-ever tourism promotion festival in the state on December 3rd next at Narikel Kunja of Dumboor under Gomati district .

The festival which will be held in four popular destinations till December 14, aims to increase tourist footfall in the state by 39-50 per cent.

Tourism Minister Sushant Chowdhury said addressing a press conference in front of lawn of Geetanjali Tourism Guest House in  Agartala said that same festival will be held at Neermahal on December 9th, Jampui Hills on December 11th and in Agartala on December 12 to 14the next, the main programme will be held at Vivekananda stadium.

Eminent Bollywood playback singer Shreya Ghoshal will enthral audience during a cultural programme at the closing ceremony at Vivekananda Ground in Agartala on December 14, he said. At the same event, many local artists including singer Sourabhee Debbarma will also perform.

He said musical concerts involving local bands, traditional costume shows showcasing the culture of the tribes of the state and an indigenous food festival will be organised during the programme.

Various events will be organized at Neermahal Water Palace in Sepahijala on December 9, while several other programmes will be held at Jampui Hill in North Tripura district on December 11, he said.

"Our main objective is to promote the state's tourism, culture and heritage not only at the national level but also internationally. We want to increase tourist footfall in the state by 30-50 per cent. Around 40 top tourist operators of the country will be invited to the festival," he said.

Prashanta Badal Negi, the director of the Tourism Department, said a programme will be held on various aspects of the tourism sector in Tripura in which tourist operators from outside the state will take part.

Director of the tourism department also highlighted that the festival will culminate in a three-day event in Agartala from December 12 to 14. Members of the Tour Operators of India are expected to attend the programme, visiting landmarks like Ujjayanta Palace and experiencing a light and sound show. They will also tour Dumboor Lake and Tripura Sundari Temple, giving them insights into the state’s cultural and natural offerings.

A fashion show highlighting the heritage, culture, and cuisine of Tripura’s 19 ethnic communities will take place on December 13. The grand finale on December 14 will feature a cultural night with celebrated playback singer Shreya Ghoshal performing live at the Swami Vivekananda stadium, on the same day Indian Idol winner and daughter of state Sourabhee Debbarma, will also perform.

The event is expected to attract massive crowds, with the Tourism Minister predicting record-breaking attendance. Minister also said that the festival is open to all; special seating arrangements will be made for dignitaries and media personnel.