Accepting the fact that tourism did not get its due attention in the last decade, West Bengal Tourism has initiated a slew of corrective measures
Racchpal Singh, Tourism Minister,
West Bengal Tourism, which lagged behind in promoting tourism compared to other states like Kerala, Rajasthan and Goa, is on its way to developing the state as a prominent tourism destination. This was revealed by Rachhpal Singh, Tourism Minister, Govt of West Bengal, at the IATO Convention.
Darjeeling, he stated, used to be popular among tourists, but has now lost its footfall. West Bengal Tourism department has decided to promote the destination and aims to get back the volumes it enjoyed earlier. In addition, Sandakphu, Sundarbans and Dooars are being developed for tourism. Dooars alone has been sanctioned Rs 50 crores for the same. Tea tourism, paragliding and golfing in Darjeeling and Dooars, trekking in Sandakphu, as well as wildlife in Sundarbans, are among the offerings the state is going to push for tourism, the Minister revealed.
Furthermore, watersports and lakeside cottages are being planned along the coastal line and on the banks of Lake Teesta respectively. Cities like Rampur, Barrackpore and Chandannagar, as well as Palashi are being showcased as historical sites. “The tourism department has also requested the government for permission to sanction theme stays and cemetery tourism. The new airport will help bring in new airlines and improve connectivity which will make the destination more attractive,” he opined.
He also requested the stakeholders of the industry to become aggressive in promoting tourism in the state. “We are in talks with Bihar to further develop the Buddhist Circuit through Bengal. The railways have already sanctioned a seven-day journey plan which should materialise by October 2012,” he concluded.
