বাংলায় পড়ুন
Kolkata tourism is set to receive a massive boost this festive season, beginning with the greatest festival of Bengalis, the Durga Puja. With over 25,000 Durga Pujas being hosted and celebrated all over Bengal, the state government is very optimistic about tapping into the state’s huge tourism potential.
Although a state where industry is often perceived as being on the decline, tourism could wll be a game changer if executed properly. State Home Secretary, Atri Bhattacharya, has been vociferously promoting tourism by inviting every single diplomat in the country, to hotels and travel writers to visit Kolkata this festive season. Globally today tourism is the largest industry after retail. And tourism is driven by festivals.
West Bengal has a high population density and therefore setting up heavy industry has its own challenges. However, celebration comes easily to the state – after all, Bengal is known as the land of “Baromaasheteroparbon”! Tourism currently contributes to 12% of the state’s GDP, and the ruling government intends to raise that to 20% by 2025.
The State Tourism Department has already put together a calendar for visitors starting with Durga Puja in mid-October to Holi in March 2019. This includes major events such as film festivals, book fair, Christmas carnival, as well as the first ever River Festival in late January. The drive has also seen upgradation of various properties across Bengal to improve the overall experience of visitors. An app to track customer feedback on every tourism facility is also on the cards.
So, Bengal…let us create some hype about Durga Puja and let us show the world the real Kolkata! Let us create memories for our visitors.
