AGARTALA, August 25 (TIWN): The seven member expert delegation of Eco Tourism Society of India, that has been visiting the state since August 23, on Monday concluded visit and suggested the state government to focus on marketing its tourism infrastructure and facilities.

Asked about their reaction to the tourism infrastructure available in the state later this evening, secretary for tourism Ashutosh Jindal said that the team was satisfied after their visits at the primary tourist sites that we have. “They visited most major tourist spots of the state including Sepahijala sanctuary, Trishna sanctuary etc during their stay in the state”, Secretary for Tourism Ashutosh Jindal said.

He added that the expert panel had suggested us to develop our brand promotion by making it more attractive. The expert panel reportedly suggested the government to augment its accommodation facilities in certain tourist spots as well. Speaking about the next course of action, tourism secretary Jindal said that a competition for developing a strong logo and an attractive punchline would be launched very soon in schools and colleges of the state.

“We shall focus on improving our marketing strategies to promote our tourism industry in the rest of the country. The department of tourism would be preparing attractive brochures, lucrative packages etc”, he said. ESI team visits usually aim at strengthening participants’ understanding of the need to safeguard the fragile ecosystem and conserve its rich natural, built and cultural heritage; to raise awareness of sustainable tourism practices; to highlight the importance of participation by the local community as well as waste management.

The state had a total footfall of 3.5 lakh domestic tourists and 10 thousand foreign tourists. The figures showed a slowly upward trend from the statistics of the previous year. Tripura had a total of 3.4 lakh domestic tourists registered to have visited tourist spots of the state and 9 thousand foreign tourists in 2012-2013.