Agartala: A delegation of Block Development Officers (BDOs) from Tripura has been deputed to Himachal Pradesh to study its homestay model and explore ways to replicate the system across key tourist destinations in the state, an official said on Monday.
The exposure visit was organised by the Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission (TRLM) as part of its efforts to strengthen community-based tourism initiatives.
In a Facebook post, the Mission said a team of nine BDOs was sent to Himachal Pradesh to examine the operational framework of homestay facilities and prepare an implementation roadmap for Tripura. The proposed rollout will cover major tourist spots such as Jampui Hills, Unakoti, Dumbur Lake, Chabimura, Kalajhari Hills, Matabari, Manu Bankul and Sepahijala, along with other emerging destinations.
The BDO team visited Khushboo Homestay, operated by Shiv Shakti Self-Help Group (SHG) in Kullu district. The homestay is maintained by SHG member Dhani Devi and is widely regarded as a successful example of community-managed rural tourism.
Notably, the Tripura government has already introduced a dedicated homestay policy aimed at giving a major boost to the tourism sector.
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Describing it as the first such initiative by TRLM, the Mission said the programme is intended to expand homestay-based livelihood opportunities in the coming years. It added that over Rs 70 crore has been proposed in the 2026–27 budget for the Ministry of Rural Development, with a focus on strengthening livelihood infrastructure, including community-managed tourism facilities across the state.
Officials said the initiative is expected to strengthen rural tourism while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for Self-Help Group (SHG) members, especially women, and highlighting Tripura’s diverse natural beauty and cultural heritage.
