Kolkata, Nov 6 (IBNS): West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation Limited (WBTDC) Tuesday said the state government is in the process of a number of initiatives for building of additional tourist attractions in the state.
WBTDC said, "The State Government would invite both foreign and domestic investments in these projects. Apart from the mentioned projects, specific investment proposals in tourism infrastructure like roads, bridges , large hotels and recreational facilities, aqua-park , marine and adventure sports , fast moving modern river and sea cruising boats, ropeways and helicopter ferries are also welcome."
"It is the only State in Eastern India which has an international airport as well as two major ports. It has a population of over 100 million which is about 8% of the total Indian population. It has a very strong agricultural base with the highest agriculture production in the country with extensive industrial and commercial production centres as well."
"It has a vibrant and dynamic economy with the State Gross Domestic Product in the magnitude of 152 Billion GBP with a growth rate of over 8% during last three years.," WBTDC noted.
"Kolkata (formerly known as Calcutta) the capital city of the State, is one of the major metropolitan cities of the world and is famous both as a major business and commercial centre as well for its wide range of cultural, recreational and culinary attractions. It is also the gateway to the eastern and northeastern India with its manifold tourist attractions."
WBTDC said that some of the major tourism projects are 'Kolkata Giant Wheel' which is the development of a giant wheel on the Howrah Riverbank with allied Tourism Facilities; 'Gajoldoba Tourism Hub', Dooars-the development of a Mega Eco Tourism Hub with lake resort, 3 star/4 star/Budget hotels, Open Air Theatre, Ayurvedic Spa Village, Arts and Craft Village, Retirement Home, Golf Course, Jungle Trail, Picnic Gardens etc., over identified land of 208 acres and 'Sundarban Tourism Hub' the development of Eco Tourism Hub with Cottages on stilts, canopy walks, boating canals, arts and cultural village, interpretation centre, viewing towers as the Gateway to the Subdarbans over an identified area of around 110 acres including water bodies.
"Proposals for skill development facilities for catering and hotel management institutions will also be considered on the fast track approval basis," WBTDC said.
"Apart from its industrial, commercial, medical and educational centres with a population of more than 4.5 million the other attractions of the city are its great heritage buildings built in the Corinthian and Gothic architectural styles around the second half of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. It is also the cultural capital of the country with leaders in literature, painting, dance, movies and dramatics," it added.
What has the Bengal Govt. done to promote or showcase tourism from Bengal in this prestigious event in London ? The picture of Mr. Mitra (as if in a poet sabha) speaks for itself. He should have identified tour operators from Bengal who specializes in operating & promoting tours in Bengal & taken them to London & taken their advice & supported them as required.A great opportunity lost to actually attract tourists, specially when the theme this time was Bengal.
