Kolkata is rapidly gaining traction as a prime destination for tourism investment, securing at least seven Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) at the Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS), 2025. This surge in interest signals a shift in investor focus, moving beyond established tourism hubs like Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Goa.
“West Bengal’s tourism sector is growing at an impressive 15%, outpacing several other states like Goa and Rajasthan across the country. The MICE Tourism Meeting held during this summit witnessed the signing of multiple MoUs and the announcement of a new hotel by The Park in North Bengal,” said Rudra Chatterjee, who is the managing director of Luxmi Group, Chairman of Obeetee Pvt. Ltd. and co-chair of the state Tourism department.
A key area of focus for the state is MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism. “Seven MoUs have been signed, one of which is between us and Park Hotel. There are 50 big conferences scheduled in the coming year,” said Chatterjee.
“Tourism contributes significantly to the state’s economy, accounting for 13% of its total GDP. Today, 6 percent of the total employment in Bengal is in the tourism sector,” he added. He also highlighted the sector’s job creation potential. “If we invest Rs 1 lakh, the tourism sector gives employment to 72 people; in other industries, it is nearly 40. Tourism is just double the number.”
Further boosting the sector, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a major policy change regarding tea tourism at the BGBS. Tea plantations will now be permitted to utilize up to 30% of their uncultivated land for tourism and other industries, doubling the previous limit of 15%. This decision has been met with enthusiasm from the tea industry.
As one Tea Garden Management representative noted, “For a 1,000-acre plantation, 30 percent would equate to 300 acres of land. This opens up opportunities for developing tourism infrastructure or even smaller industrial ventures, such as medical hubs.” This policy shift is expected to further enhance West Bengal’s attractiveness for investment and boost economic activity in the region.