Adventure tourism on the anvil
Goutam Deb, Minister-In-Charge—Department of Tourism, West Bengal, shares details about a flurry of developmental activities the state is undertaking to boost tourist numbers.
Taking pride in the number of visitor arrivals to West Bengal from across the country and the world, Goutam Deb, MIC—Department of Tourism, West Bengal states, “As far as foreign tourist arrivals are concerned, Bengal is now placed sixth in the country and eighth in terms of domestic arrivals, as per data prepared by central agencies. Footfalls have been raised considerably and people are indeed visiting the state to ‘ experience the sweetest part of India’."
The West Bengal tourism department has been laying special emphasis on homestay tourism policy and has started promoting adventure tourism in different destinations of the state. In an effort to keep tourists' adrenaline levels intact, Bengal is set to develop trek routes and introduce activities like biking, kayaking, rafting and rowing in destinations such as Mandarmani, Digha and Tajpur. Integrated tourism policy along with homestay policy and regulations on adventure tourism are in the pipeline.
Talking about different tourism projects, Deb mentioned that the state is particularly looking to promote Delo in Kalimpong and Tiger Hill in Darjeeling so as to restore their century-old bungalows. New destinations in the Doars like Chalsa, Jhalong, Tilabari, Batabari and Damdim are already operational. “We are planning to establish a Paryatan Bhawan in Calcutta. Besides, we are working on a PPP mode on a 200-acre land to introduce eco-friendly recreational activities at ‘Bhorer Alo,’ the mega tourism hub coming up at Gajoldoba near the Teesta Barrage, just 20 km away from Siliguri. We are also creating a jungle track from Gajoldoba to Bengal Safari Park, a 297-hectares of land in Siliguri housing tigers, black bears, birds, deer and elephants,” Deb said.
The state is currently focusing on Southeast Asian countries, namely Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Thailand and Myanmar. In FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017, Bengal seized the opportunity to showcase before foreign delegates its rich heritage and culture along with the state’s eternal love for football. “The Calcutta Carnival was also held during the same period in which many foreign countries participated. We intend to get more foreign tourists to the state, especially during Durga Puja to showcase the pomp and grandeur of the festivity,” Deb shared.
Deb also pointed out that Bagdogra airport’s instrument landing system (ILS) will start operating from March 29, as per an AAI notification. He was happy to inform that in the previous year, the passenger growth at the airport touched 22 lakh. Upcoming small airports are also in the offing at Coochbehar, Burnpur and Bondal. “It is not the duty of the government to run the tourism industry. The private enterprises are the big players in this segment. We are only the facilitators in creating the ambience,” asserted Deb.
We are working on a 200-acre land to introduce recreational activities at ‘Bhorer Alo,’ the mega tourism hub away from Siliguri
Talking about the development of MiCE in the state, the minister informed that the Digha-Sankarpur Development Authority have already started construction of conference facilities and hotel accommodation. Besides, the state prides itself in owning the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre, one of the largest MiCE destinations in the country.