Sharing ideas on the forthcoming plans of promoting Bengal as a preferable tourist destination. GD Gautama, IAS principal secretary of tourism and cottage and small scale industries West Bengal, in conversation with Swaati Chaudhary of the Statesman

Q. Although West Bengal has a huge tourism potential, it has not taken off as a popular tourist destination over the years. Your comments please.

A: Bengal is the only state that prides in having delta, beaches, snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. It has the World Heritage Site of the Sundarbans and Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Nearly two-third area of the Sundarbans lies in Bangladesh and the remaining one-third is in India. The state forms the gateway to South-East Asian countries. In a major move to promote the state tourism potential, the state tourism department is coming up in a big way by adopting professional marketing. We are working on four principal issues of tourism like investment, infrastructure, policy and marketing. The state tourism department is identifying the segmented areas of tourism. In order to encourage a rapid tourist influx into the state, it is highly desirable for us to beef up the tourism infrastructure. We are looking forward to promote tea, heritage, eco and medical tourism in the state along with others. The state tourism department has made its presence at the biggest tourism exposition at ITB, Berlin held from 6-11 March 2007. India was a partner country at the tourism and travel fair at Berlin this year. We showcased Bengal as a preferred tourist destination in the fair.

Q. What strategies have been adopted to promote the state as a tourist destination?

A: Tourism sector is one of the largest employment generator in the world. The economy of any region is depended on the development of tourism and related activities. India’s GDP is growing at a rate of more than 9 percent right now. West Bengal is witnessing a huge growth. However, we have not been able to harness the potential, which our State possesses in the tourism sector. The state has much to offer to tourists and is blessed with the snow-capped Himalayas, sea beaches and coastal areas and many other
landscapes, which are a delight to the visitors. The state tourism department has also flagged off a Tourism Promotion Investment Board. River tourism has a huge potential and there are exciting heritage sites on the banks of the river Ganges offering glimpses of the Colonial era right from Kolkata to Murshidabad. The Central government is going to appoint a consultant for the Sundarbans delta, which will address issues related to tourism, ecology, infrastructure and related activities.

Q. Infrastructure is an integral aspect of tourism development. What kind of infrastructure development are you planning to increase the tourist influx?

Infrastructure is key for the development of tourism. We are addressing the issues of infrastructure so that the tourism potential of the State is harnessed to the full extent.

Q. Which are the new destinations explored in areas of eco-tourism, tea and heritage tourism in the state?

A: Darjeeling, Dooars, Purulia and the Sundarbans are the potential eco-tourism sites. There are plans to popularise heritage and river cruise tourism along Kolkata, Hooghly, Murshidabad, Chandannagar, Malda and Bishnupur .

Q. Do you have any plans to transform the historic landmarks of Bengal into tourist spots?

A: There are some interesting plans to showcase the historic battlefield of Plassey and exhibit the artistic works of our terracotta craftsmen at Birbhum and Bankura. The age-old imperial buildings of Kolkata and the fabulous heritage sites at Malda, Murshidabad, Nadia and Bishnupur are no less remarkable.

Q. What are your plans to improve the infrastructure in the beach resort of Digha?

A: The Central government has sanctioned a project to develop the tranquil beach resorts of Shankarpur and Digha. Another project to promote the Buxa Dooars has received approval from the Central government.

Q. Bengal is experiencing resurgence in its economy. What prospect tourism holds in the state?

A: Tourism offers a plethora of potential and is the biggest employment provider in the world. We are trying our best to offer a boost to the tourist hotspots of Bengal. The state is witnessing huge growth and tourism is going to play a vital role in positioning the state as an economic powerhouse.

Q. How would you visualise tourism growing as an industry after two years?

A: Being the largest employment provider, tourism is a part of service industry that can change the face of any economy. Infrastructure has to be beefed up along with other strategies on which we are continuously working. We are very hopeful that soon we shall be able to position Bengal on the tourist map of the world.