Since the change of government in 2011, the current administration has significantly increased the importance of tourism in the state. About a year ago, the state also granted industry status to tourism. From hotels to homestay policies, various changes have been made to extend numerous facilities to marginal areas. Now the benefits are also becoming visible. West Bengal has emerged as the second most preferred tourist destination for foreign tourists in the country.
Recently, the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India has published the 'India Tourism Data Compendium-2025' list. Chief Minister Mamata Bandhyopadhyay shared this news on her X handle on Tuesday. She thanked everyone involved in tourism for this success. Notably, foreigners chose historical sites as well as tourist centres like Santiniketan, which usually attract numerous foreign visitors every year.
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Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's social media post reads, "Proud to share that West Bengal has emerged as one of the most favoured international tourist destinations in the country, and has achieved another great milestone!! In the recently released India Tourism Data Compendium 2025 by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India , West Bengal has attracted 2nd highest foreign tourist footfall in the country! The tourism resurgence post covid is a reflection of the initiatives taken by us to create and promote new verticals of tourism including festival tourism, religious tourism, MICE ( Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism among others. I welcome all tourists both domestic and foreign to visit West Bengal, the sweetest part of India, and experience its beauty, culture and heritage. I thank all tourism stakeholders who have worked relentlessly towards achieving this proud moment for West Bengal."
Bengal has always been at the top of the list of foreign tourists. However, there was no specific data on this matter. From hills to sea, numerous foreigners visit Bengal every year. Work has been ongoing for the past few years to revamp the state's tourist centres to attract tourists. Facilities have also been increased for the convenience of tourists. In recent years, many unknown places have become familiar to tourists through the Chief Minister's initiatives.
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According to the data released by the centre, Maharashtra ranks first in attracting foreign tourists. In the 2024-25 financial year, 37 lakh foreign tourists visited Maharashtra. Meanwhile, 31 lakh foreign tourists visited Bengal. The number of foreign tourists who visited India in the last financial year was almost equal to that of 2019. The deep crisis began in March 2020. The lockdown during the COVID period dealt a severe blow to the global economy. Tourism was also affected. However, the crowd of foreign tourists is gradually increasing now. In her X post, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated that the central statistics are the result of how the state government promoted tourism for revival after the COVID period.
Experts believe that tourist interest in Bengal will increase further after the release of this central list. Nabanna believes that more foreign tourists will visit Bengal in the coming days. The Chief Minister also wrote on her X handle today, "I welcome all tourists both domestic and foreign to visit West Bengal, the sweetest part of India, and experience its beauty, culture and heritage. I thank all tourism stakeholders who have worked relentlessly towards achieving this proud moment for West Bengal."
