Kolkata, 01 October (H.S.) : The West Bengal government's new land and industrial policy, slated to be unveiled ahead of Durga Puja, will place a special emphasis on the state's tourism sector. State Tourism Minister Shankar Ghosh announced on Thursday that the government is targeting an investment of approximately ₹2,500 crore to significantly upgrade tourism infrastructure.

Speaking at the ICC Hospitality and Tourism Summit in Kolkata, Ghosh stated that the government expects direct investments exceeding ₹2,500 crore for infrastructural development. To support this vision, a financial allocation of ₹500 crore has been made for the fiscal year 2026-27 to make Bengal's tourist destinations globally accessible. He emphasized that the primary objective is to transform West Bengal into a leading foreign exchange-earning state through modern, sustainable, and tech-enabled tourism.

To cater to the growing demands of the sector and upskill local youth, the government plans to establish a new hospitality institute. The minister confirmed that the Tourism Department has finalized the draft of a new tourism policy, which will be integrated into the upcoming land and industrial policy. The department is actively rebranding and restructuring the sector to attract foreign investments in the future. Additionally, rapid development is underway for key destinations like Mirik and Kalimpong, alongside several new upcoming projects.

The minister noted that the flow of investment into the tourism sector has already begun. Highlighting the sector's immense potential, he shared that the Tourism Department received investment proposals worth ₹12,634 crore at a recently concluded summit.

Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who was also present at the event, lauded the state's immense potential. He shared that the central government plans to develop Bengal as a premier destination for cultural heritage tourism. Shekhawat noted that the future of the industry will not be limited to monuments but will be heavily driven by experiential tourism.

He further highlighted that Kolkata possesses all the essential elements, robust MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) infrastructure, luxury hotels, excellent connectivity, and a rich cultural heritage, to emerge as a major global event and tourism destination. Shekhawat stressed that realizing this vision and marketing it globally will require seamless collaboration between the government and the industry.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh