Policy to be drafted to promote adventure tourism in Bengal

The state government is all set to frame an adventure tourism policy and the matter has been placed before Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for approval.

The state Tourism department began working on a draft tourism plan, following the instruction from the Chief Minister’s Office.

The proposal has been prepared and senior officials of the department are scrutinising it before sending to the Chief Minister for consideration.

“We will prepare facilities for adventure tourism. Bengal has sea beaches, hills and forests. Adventure tourism is something 

which can flourish here,” said state Principal Secretary, Tourism department, Ajit Ranjan Bardhan.

Kolkata has been ranked fourth among all Indian cities in terms of foreign tourists’ destination, as per a global destination cities index recently released by an e-Payment major.

A recent report by the Union Ministry of Tourism showed that Bengal improved its rank among all states and overtook Rajasthan to secure the fifth spot.

The initial phase of ‘Experience Bengal’ advertisement campaign will be released at the upcoming Bengal Global Business Summit 2017, scheduled for January 20 and 21.

The state government is going the full hog to promote Bengal as a favoured destination for tourists, both domestic and international.

Various locations in North Bengal have been shortlisted for the adventure tourism plan. Rock climbing will be an attraction in North Bengal, whereas water sports will be developed at New Digha, Tajpur, Bakkhali and Henry Island.

The state Youth Affairs department started providing support to promote mountaineering across the state. The department also has planned to provide financial assistance to various mountaineering clubs.

The Youth Affairs department will also develop facilities for trekking in Bankura’s Susunia hill and Purulia’s Joychandi hill. The department is planning a mountaineers’ meet, where agenda and detail itinerary will be discussed.

This is the first time that initiative to prepare a year-long calendar for mountaineering and adventure sports have been taken up.

The Youth Affairs department is also inviting clubs to take up rafting and kayak strength training to promote these sports in the state.

The Tourism department, on the other hand, is working on bringing up more lodging facilities at places like Kalimpong, Digha and New Digha. They are also inviting private investments in the hospitality segment.