Bengal: A Shining Star in India’s Tourism Sector
Unprecedented Tourist Influx in 2024
In 2024, Bengal experienced a record-breaking 18.5 crore tourist arrivals, including both domestic and foreign visitors. This significant achievement is even more remarkable considering the travel limitations imposed on Bangladeshi citizens since August due to violent protests in the country.
Consistent Expansion and Rivalry with Tourism Giants
- Bengal hosted 14.5 crore tourists in 2023 and 8.4 crore in 2022.
- Out of the 2022 figures, 10 lakh were foreign tourists.
- Bengal is now competing with popular tourist destinations like Kerala and Rajasthan, even outperforming them in 2024.
Homestays and Cultural Tourism
With 5,322 homestays across the state, the tourism department is working diligently to enhance services by offering training to homestay operators. The government is also emphasizing “cultural tourism” by improving homestay infrastructure.
Key Elements Boosting Bengal’s Tourism
- Varied landscapes
- Rich cultural and historical heritage
- Budget-friendly travel and lodging
- Abundant wildlife and ecotourism
- Efficient transportation network
Strategic Initiatives by Authorities and Industry
Bengal’s tourism growth is not a coincidence but the result of strategic efforts by the government and the tourism industry. Recent state-backed events have successfully placed Bengal on the global tourism radar.
Opportunities for Greater Tourist Arrivals
If not for the Bangladesh crisis, Bengal’s tourism numbers could have been much higher. Since August 2024, the majority of visas granted to Bangladeshi citizens have been for medical purposes.
