How is CM Mamata Celebrating West Bengal's Rise in Foreign Tourism?
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Synopsis
West Bengal's tourism resurgence is a remarkable achievement, with CM Mamata Banerjee attributing this success to her government’s strategic initiatives. The state has climbed to the second position for foreign tourist arrivals in India. Discover the details behind this impressive growth and what it means for the state's future.
Key Takeaways
- West Bengal achieved the second-highest foreign tourist arrivals in India.
- Government initiatives in festival and religious tourism played a crucial role.
- The state recorded 3.12 million foreign tourists in 2024.
- Overall tourism in India saw a significant increase post-COVID.
- CM Mamata Banerjee invites tourists to explore the state's rich culture.
Kolkata, Nov 26 (NationPress) Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee praised the state of West Bengal for its remarkable performance in reviving tourism in the wake of the pandemic. She credited her government's efforts, which include initiatives in festival tourism, religious tourism, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions).
On her social media platform, CM Banerjee celebrated West Bengal's achievement of becoming the 'Number Two' state for foreign tourist arrivals in India, highlighting its status as a top international destination.
"I am proud to announce that West Bengal has become one of the most sought-after international tourist spots in India, reaching another significant milestone! According to the recently published India Tourism Data Compendium 2025 from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, the state has welcomed the second highest number of foreign tourists in the country!" stated CM Banerjee.
The report revealed that India saw a total of 2,948.19 million domestic tourists in 2024, reflecting a growth of 17.51 percent compared to 2,508.82 million visits the previous year. Foreign tourist numbers reached 20.94 million in 2024, marking an increase of 8.84 percent from 19.24 million in 2023.
Leading the domestic tourist arrivals were Uttar Pradesh (646.81 million) and Tamil Nadu (306.84 million), while Maharashtra (3.71 million) and West Bengal (3.12 million) had the highest foreign tourist arrivals among all states and Union Territories.
The Chief Minister remarked, "The revival of tourism post-COVID is a testament to our initiatives aimed at developing and promoting new tourism sectors, including festival tourism, religious tourism, and MICE tourism, among others."
Describing West Bengal as the "sweetest part" of India, Mamata Banerjee expressed, "I warmly invite all tourists, both from within the country and abroad, to explore the beauty, culture, and heritage of West Bengal, the sweetest part of India. I extend my gratitude to all tourism stakeholders who have tirelessly worked to achieve this proud moment for our state."
Point of View
The resurgence of tourism in West Bengal post-pandemic underscores the effectiveness of targeted government initiatives. It highlights the state's potential as a leading tourist destination, reflecting broader trends in India's tourism sector. This development is significant for both the local economy and the national image of India as a diverse travel destination.
NationPress
26/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What initiatives has the West Bengal government taken to boost tourism?
The West Bengal government has launched various initiatives focusing on festival tourism, religious tourism, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) to attract more visitors.
How many foreign tourists visited West Bengal in 2024?
In 2024, West Bengal welcomed approximately 3.12 million foreign tourists, making it one of the leading states for international arrivals in India.
What is the significance of the India Tourism Data Compendium 2025?
The India Tourism Data Compendium 2025 provides important insights into tourism trends in India, highlighting the growth of domestic and foreign tourist arrivals across different states.
