“Enhancing connectivity within Bengal and across neighboring states and nations is essential for comprehensive exploration” – Debjit Dutta
West Bengal stretches from the Himalayas in the north to the Bay of Bengal in the south, offering diverse tourism opportunities, from the Sundarbans mangroves to Darjeeling’s tea estates. Additionally, West Bengal Tourism highlights Kolkata’s potential as a premier MICE destination. In 2022, the state attracted approximately 85 million domestic tourists and over one million international visitors, according to Statista.
Debjit Dutta, Chairman of the West Bengal Chapter of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), shared with T3 that Bengal is redefining itself as the sweetest part of India, offering life-changing experiences from the majestic Himalayas to the serene mangroves of the Sundarbans. According to him, the post-pandemic shift in global travel trends is positioning Bengal, along with East and Northeast India, as a premier global tourist destination.
“With our strategic positioning and the immense potential of our shared borders with Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, Bengal could firmly establish itself as the gateway to Eastern South Asia,” shared Dutta. “Over recent years, we’ve observed a significant rise in demand from leading source markets, largely due to our consistent efforts in showcasing Bengal’s unique heritage. For FY 2024-25 and FY 2025-26, we anticipate a 25-40% increase in tourist traffic to this region, driven by these trends and our strategic initiatives,” he added.
Primary Obstacles
When asked about the primary obstacle to tourism growth, Dutta pointed to strategic connectivity. Bengal’s geographical location, nestled in Eastern South Asia with Kolkata as its nucleus, is poised to become a connectivity hub linking Eastern India with its sub-Himalayan neighbors—Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, expressed Dutta. “This cross-border linkage is crucial to unlocking the full potential of inbound tourism.” He further noted that enhancing connectivity within Bengal and across neighboring states and nations is essential for comprehensive exploration.
“However, bureaucratic hurdles pose significant challenges. Simplifying visa processes and overcoming cross-border challenges are critical to ensuring seamless tourist movement. Initiatives like the BBIN (Bengal – Bangladesh – India – Nepal) motor vehicle agreement, the Bengal-Bangladesh Inland and Coastal Waterways Connectivity Agreement, and the Asian Highway are vital pathways to strengthen regional integration, promoting trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges,” he explained.
In addition to improving connectivity, Dutta emphasized the importance of region-specific marketing campaigns to drive traffic to the area. He also suggested that a dynamic, region-specific Incredible India #03 campaign would highlight Bengal’s key offerings, ranging from cultural, architectural, and natural heritage. By tailoring the campaign to the unique attributes of each region, West Bengal can attract a diverse range of travelers, ensuring the entire region benefits from increased tourism. “This approach will not only draw attention to lesser-known destinations but also enhance the overall visibility of Bengal as a multifaceted travel destination,” Dutta concluded.
