West Bengal has officially granted the tourism trade the status of an industry, a significant decision reached during a recent cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The sector’s leaders had been advocating for this status.
This decision is anticipated to bring substantial benefits to the sector, as per individuals involved in tourism. They believe that this recognition, especially before the Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS) scheduled later this month, will significantly uplift the industry. Bengal currently ranks third in India for foreign tourist arrivals, and Santiniketan has recently been honored as a UNESCO global heritage site.
According to industry stakeholders, the development is set to provide a boost to local artisans by offering them a platform to sell their products. Debjit Dutta, State Chairman of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), and Sudesh Podder, President of the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Association of India (FHRAI), expressed gratitude to Banerjee for this decision.
Dutta highlighted that obtaining industry status will facilitate easier access to loans with interest subsidies. It will also simplify the process of forming agreements with significant market players and engaging with the state government’s land bank for land acquisition.