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Bengal

Tourism dept plans to launch Kerala model of houseboats

Kolkata: The Kerala model of houseboats will soon be replicated in Bengal as the state Tourism department is planning to launch houseboat services soon at different places in the Sundarbans.
To boost up tourism, the state government also has a plan to launch the houseboats in the creeks from the Hooghly in East Midnapore based on the model of Kerala. According to sources, two houseboats were being prepared in the city which will sail between the city and Sundarbans in the initial level. Four more houseboats will be made later.
State Tourism minister Goutam Deb said that his department is going to start the service in Sundarbans on a pilot basis but similar services would also be introduced in Digha and Mandarmani.
It may also be mentioned that the Tourism department is also coming up with plans to build a tourism circuit from Jangalmahal to Sagar Islands. The department has given a great boost to the tourism sector after the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had stressed to develop tourism infrastructure across the state. Following the Chief Minister's instruction, the state tourism department has started a host of new projects in order to increase the influx of tourists in the state.
The officials of the state Tourism department believe that launching of houseboats in Sundarbans will attract more number of foreign tourists in the state. It has been learnt that all the modern facilities will be available in the houseboats. According to an official, there will be a conference room, rest room and dining room in each houseboat. The Tourism department is also identifying new places which can be developed into tourist destinations. Additionally, the infrastructure at existing tourism spots are also being increased by the state government.
The houseboats will have bedrooms with attached bath and toilet facilities along with a conference room with sitting arrangements for 20 persons. Kitchen, restaurant, lounge and four-bedded rooms along with an open space will also be available on board. A firm has been assigned to design, develop, and fabricate the houseboats.

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