In a significant move aimed at unlocking the tourism potential of West Bengal, the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) and the Department of Tourism, Government of West Bengal, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the ITC Royal Bengal in Kolkata.
The MoU, inked on Friday (December 1), marks a pivotal step towards leveraging the rich cultural heritage of West Bengal to promote and safeguard folk art, crafts, and various cultural genres while fostering sustainable tourism practices. The West Bengal Tourism Department aims to explore and develop diverse tourism narratives encompassing rural tourism, eco-tourism, river tourism, MICE tourism, heritage tourism, and skill development for stakeholders to generate employment opportunities and ensure impeccable service delivery.
TAAI, in collaboration with the State of West Bengal, endeavours to maximize the tourism sector’s potential by boosting employment, ensuring sustainability, and fostering inclusive economic growth within the state. Expressing gratitude to the Tourism Secretary for the consideration of TAAI’s proposals regarding the State’s Tourism Policy and the grant of Industry status to the Tourism & Hospitality Sector, TAAI has further sought the inclusion of Travel Agents and Tour Operators in the policy, also for industry status.
The joint effort between TAAI and West Bengal seeks to focus on the following areas:
Policy Analysis and Investment Opportunities: Studying tourism policies, identifying investment prospects, and analyzing economic data relevant to the state’s tourism sector.
Removal of Barriers and Promotion: Identifying obstacles to tourism expansion, suggesting solutions, and promoting tourism-related projects and events.
Business Facilitation and Collaboration: Encouraging participation in travel marts, exhibitions, and seminars, fostering dialogue between businesses and government bodies, and exploring avenues for increased tourism traffic.
Enhancing International Connectivity: Collaborating with airlines and the West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation Limited (WBTDCL) to boost international connectivity to Kolkata, positioning it as a key gateway to Eastern India.
The MoU signing ceremony witnessed the presence of TAAI’s National Managing Committee, Regional, and Chapter Chairpersons. Jyoti Mayal, President of TAAI, and Nandini Chakravorty, Secretary of Tourism, Government of West Bengal, formally sealed the collaboration, signifying a promising synergy between the tourism industry and government bodies towards the development and promotion of West Bengal’s tourism potential.
This strategic alliance aims to pave the way for a robust and sustainable tourism landscape in West Bengal, fostering growth and prosperity while showcasing the state’s cultural richness to a global audience.