West Bengal Fast Emerging as Prime Weekend Destination
When it comes to tourism we often assume that some other states like Goa, Kerala, Jammu & Kashmir, Gujarat and Rajasthan are the top tourism states in India. Going by the current travel trends it is being noted that West Bengal, too is emerging as the all-weather tourist destination for tourists. According to a recent media report the minister of tourism for the state, claimed that, be it business, social and leisure trips the state has plenty to offer all-round the year.
Indicators Which Justify The Claim
It is being seen that, the number of tourist footfalls has grown at a CAGR of 26.5% between FY 2011 and FY 2016.This is a significant increase over the CAGR of 14.% which was there between FY 2001 and FY 2010. Out of the many tourist attractions in the state the festival of Durga Puja is one of the biggest tourist attractions which draw tourists from far and near.
Out the many tourist development initiatives which are being undertaken in the state, a number of Greenfield projects would be included. In this direction the state has a target to invest Rs 5000 crores over the next 5 years. This is mainly to be made in the field of infrastructure and service development. Out of the many tourist development plans, the Gajaldoba project in North Bengal is one of the biggest along with Jharnakhali in the Sunderbans, Purulia and Sabujdeep in the Hooghly district of West Bengal.
One reason for the growth of West Bengal tourism over the years has been due to the fact that the state is blessed with diverse geographical contours. These include the mountains of Himalayas in the northern part of the state to the many beautiful beaches down south.
Some top officials in the State Tourism department feel that the city of Kolkata has the potential to build an identity of being the Gateway to North East India. In fact, they also opine that this is the ideal time to invest and be part of the sustainable tourism development of the state. Following the excellent hosting of the 2017- Under 17- FIFA World Cup Football Tournament, the state could soon be the next sports tourism destination of the country.
There is indeed a lot happening in the state of West Bengal in terms of tourism. This is also very evident from the great development which has happened in some of the state’s tourists spots like Digha. So in case you have not visited Digha in the recent past, you must make sure to visit it soon to experience the world-class tourism development which has happened in Digha.
