Mamata Banerjee Claims West Bengal Named Top Heritage Tourism Destination by UNESCO

In a significant development, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has claimed that the state has been recognized by UNESCO as a premier destination for heritage tourism. This recognition highlights the state's growing prominence in tourism, which has also resulted in creating thousands of employment opportunities, particularly for the youth.

Emphasis on Religious, Heritage, and Tea Tourism in West Bengal

During her speech in the assembly, Mamata Banerjee emphasized the state's rapid progress in various tourism sectors, including religious, heritage, and tea tourism. The Chief Minister mentioned that the recognition from UNESCO is a testament to the state's efforts in promoting its cultural and historical assets. "UNESCO has declared Bengal as a top destination for heritage tourism," she said. Furthermore, she shared the government's initiatives to enhance heritage sites and make them more accessible to tourists, with a focus on preserving the state's rich cultural history.

Development of Iconic Religious Sites in West Bengal

Mamata Banerjee further noted the state's focus on religious tourism, specifically the ongoing efforts to upgrade and enhance iconic religious sites. She mentioned the Dakshineshwar and Kalighat temples, which are being improved as part of a broader initiative to boost religious tourism. Additionally, Banerjee revealed that the construction of the Jagannath temple at Digha is nearing completion, promising to be another important religious site for devotees.

Tourism Driving Employment in West Bengal

The Chief Minister highlighted that the state's tourism sector has created job opportunities for millions of young people. She pointed out the positive impact of the tourism boom, stating that it has generated employment in diverse sectors such as hospitality, local services, and tourism management. This growth has further encouraged the development of tourist infrastructure, leading to the construction of thousands of hotels across popular tourist destinations.

Diverse Attractions of West Bengal

West Bengal’s tourism offers diverse attractions that appeal to travelers, both domestic and international. Banerjee emphasized the state’s natural beauty, mentioning its mountains, forests, and the famous Sunderbans. The state has worked towards showcasing the unique features of each tourist location to attract more visitors. From the serene hills to the vibrant Sunderbans, West Bengal is positioning itself as a holistic destination catering to various types of tourists.

Rise in Homestays and Infrastructure Developments

Indranil Sen, West Bengal’s tourism minister, added that the state has seen a significant rise in the number of homestays, with 2,489 homestays now open across the state. A large percentage of these homestays are located in North Bengal, which has become a major hub for nature and eco-tourism. Banerjee also announced that a tender has been issued for the construction of a bridge over the Muriganga River in Ganga Sagar Island. This new infrastructure will enhance accessibility to Ganga Sagar, the site of the famous annual Gangasagar Mela.

Boosting Gangasagar Mela to Rival Kumbh Mela

Mamata Banerjee emphasized the importance of the Gangasagar Mela, noting that while the Kumbh Mela is the number one pilgrimage destination in India, the Gangasagar Mela holds the second spot. She expressed that improved infrastructure, such as the new bridge, would enhance the accessibility of this religious fair and elevate its significance.