This study examines the present status of ecotourism practiced in protected
areas of Tripura since 2011-12 on the basis of both field surveys of tourists and spot
visits to destinations. Protected area tourism in the state is primarily viewed as a part of
circuit tourism development, impairing the overall growth of ecotourism development
in the state. As one protected area accounts for 80% of tourists visited tourists, it amply
demonstrates lopsided ecotourism growth in spite of potentiality. It also exhibits wide
differences between destination-specific plans and their implementation coupled with
irregular animal population census affecting conservation and preservation efforts of
wildlife sanctuaries. Tourism survey endorses inadequate branding and marketing
efforts on the part of stakeholders coupled with improper training of front and middlelevel
staffs came in the way of execution of plans. In fact, such branding can be viewed
as a strategic mechanism for preferred tourist behaviour on the one hand while
enhancing the perceived value of the destination on the other.
Keywords: Branding, Conservation, Ecotourism, Marketing, Stakeholders.