Special Correspondent I New Town
Bengal is all set to make its mark on the global stage!
State Tourism Minister Shankar Ghosh has announced a series of unprecedented and groundbreaking steps aimed at bringing a revolutionary transformation to West Bengal’s tourism sector.
The minister unveiled the historical roadmap of this mega-plan at a special event titled ‘Oneness’, held recently at Taj Taal Kutir in New Town.
From modernizing the tourism industry to orchestrating a royal resurgence of ancient heritage—the Tourism Department is fully prepared to position West Bengal as the No. 1 destination for both domestic and international tourists.
New Direction: What Does This Mega-Plan Include?
Special Survey to Attract Domestic Tourists
The state government is no longer relying solely on local travelers.
A detailed analysis has been initiated to identify which Indian states have the highest enthusiasm for travel and their level of interest in West Bengal.
Aggressive promotional campaigns and marketing drives will soon be launched in the states showing deep interest.
Strategic Meetings with Foreign Diplomats
To highlight royal historical buildings and heritage sites across Kolkata and West Bengal on the international stage, the state government is taking an unprecedented step.
Minister Shankar Ghosh shared that for the very first time, the state will hold direct discussions with Consuls General of various countries.
The vision is to view Kolkata’s heritage through their perspective and make it more appealing to international travellers.
Cultural Flourishing Alongside Economic Growth
Financial profitability is not the sole objective of tourism investments.
Minister Ghosh explicitly stated that the true ‘Return on Investment’ (ROI) for every tourism project will be measured by how much Bengali culture is enriched and expanded.
Launch of a Smart Helpline
For the safety and convenience of tourists, an all-in-one ‘Tourist Helpline’ has been launched on a pilot basis in select areas.
From resolving booking or cancellation issues to recovering lost belongings during travel—this dedicated cell handles it all and has already shown high success. It will soon be expanded across the entire state.
All-in-One Solution at a Click: Super App in Development
To assist travellers, the government is introducing a modern mobile application.
Details regarding accommodation (hotels), sightseeing (tour guides), and local transport (cabs/taxis) will all be accessible on a single platform.
Additionally, if tourists face any fraud or service lapses, they can log grievances directly through the app for swift resolution by authorities.
Upgraded Soft Skills for Taxi Drivers and Food Safety Rules
A tourist’s first impression often relies on the cab driver’s behavior. Therefore, taxi drivers are receiving specialized training in polite behavior and professionalism.
Additionally, catering personnel at tourist hubs are being trained in food safety protocols to ensure hygienic food options.
Fire safety drills and specialized emergency handling training have also been made mandatory.
Heritage Tourism Expansion
The tourism department is launching a “Palace on Wheels” to cover the state’s heritage circuit.
Following a recent MoU signed with the Archaeological Survey of India, 135 heritage monuments and sites across the state will be restored and renovated. Upgrades at select locations will feature landscaping, drinking water stations, CCTV surveillance, public washrooms, audio guides, and souvenir shops.
Minister Shankar Ghosh clearly conveyed that decisions will not be driven by emotion alone; every initiative will undergo thorough feasibility analysis before implementation.
Asking the citizens of Bengal to place their trust in the administration, he added that the government has several more innovative programs lined up to take state tourism to new heights in the coming days.
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