In a significant move to elevate Tripura's tourism profile, former Indian cricket team captain Sourav Ganguly is set to become the new face of the state's tourism. Ganguly, renowned for his leadership on the cricket field, is scheduled to formalize this new role on December 11 in Tripura.

The Tripura government is gearing up to invest a whopping INR 350 crore to enhance key tourist destinations like Neer Mahal, the Unakoti archaeological site, Chhabimura, Dumber Lake, and the Tripureswari Temple. This ambitious plan is part of various schemes under the Ministry of Tourism and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). With an eye on boosting tourism circuits, the Ministry has earmarked INR 70 crore each for Agartala and Unakoti, while the ADB has allocated INR 58 crore for Chhabimura's development.

Ganguly's visit to Tripura isn't just about signing the agreement. The former BCCI president will also be involved in shooting promotional videos at some of the state's iconic monuments on December 12. This includes the majestic Ujjayanta Palace, a symbol of the Manikya dynasty, and Chhabimura, known for its impressive rock sculptures. His appointment is expected to greatly enhance Tripura's appeal as a tourism destination.

In a related development, Karnataka's government announced its intention to release a new tourism policy in 2024. This policy focuses on developing infrastructure at tourist spots and encourages public-private partnerships. It also aims to resolve inter-departmental conflicts and streamline the promotion of tourism.

In conclusion, Ganguly's association with Tripura tourism is a strategic move to harness his popularity and leadership qualities to promote the state as a prime tourism destination. His visit marks a significant step towards achieving sustainable development through tourism in Tripura.