Agartala, February 16, 2026: In a significant step towards strengthening community-based tourism, the Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission (TRLM) has deputed a team of nine Block Development Officers (BDOs) to Himachal Pradesh to study and emulate successful homestay models for implementation across key tourist destinations in Tripura.

The BDO team visited Khushboo Homestay, operated by Shiv Shakti Self-Help Group (SHG) at Gram Panchayat Shaleen, Village Brod, Naggar Block 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.

According to officials, the exposure visit aimed to understand operational, financial and community participation aspects of SHG-run homestays, with a view to replicating the model at emerging and established tourist locations in Tripura. These include Jampui Hills, Unakoti, Dumbur Lake, Chabimura, Kalajhari Hills, Matabari, Manu Bankul and Sepahijala, among other upcoming tourist destinations.

This marks the first such initiative undertaken by TRLM to formally promote homestay interventions in the state. The mission has proposed an allocation of over ₹70 crore in the 2026–27 budget to the Ministry of Rural Development, with a focus on livelihood infrastructure, including community-managed tourist facilities.

Officials believe the initiative will not only boost rural tourism but also generate sustainable livelihoods for SHG members, particularly women, while showcasing Tripura’s rich natural and cultural heritage.