Tourism department to set up convention centre at Rajarhat

The state tourism department has decided to set up a convention centre at Rajarhat. 

The department is coming up as a major investment destination and its possibility will be discussed at the Bengal Global Business Summit which is scheduled to be held between January 7 and 9. 

In 2014, around 5.04 crore tourists visited West Bengal of which 4.90 crore were domestic tourists and 14 lalkhs were foreigners. The bulk of domestic tourist come from Gujarat, Bihar, Maharastra, Rajasthan and Kerala.  

The state government has prepared incentives for the investors in the sector. The electricity duty of the investors will be waived. There will be additional incentives on generation employment and also incentives for adventure tour operators.  Those who will invest in the mega projects will be given special incentives that include reimbursement of VAT for five years and FAR relaxation. The plan budget of tourism department has been increased to Rs 266 crore.

The Gajoldoba Eco Tourism Hub is coming up as a major tourist spot. The infrastructure and lighting arrangements have been completed. There is more than 200 acres of land on the side of Teesta barrage. Tender will be floated to select firms to set up star category and budget category resorts. 

Motijheel in Murshidabad, which was recently inaugurated by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, is now an important tourist spot. The Ayodhya hills in Purulia is also attracting crowd. The Jhargram Rajbari tourism complex and the Kansabati barrage in Mukutmanipur are also among the crowd pullers. The department is giving special emphasis on eco tourim project in Hooghly and tea tourism. Besides, adventure tourism is also an important area.

The department operates 28 tourist lodges throughout the state.  The river cruise on Ganga and Sunderbans have gained momentum. A special package for Junglemahal is also attracting tourists.

State Tourism Minister Bratya Basu said steps have been taken to provide best amenities to the tourists whose number was going up every year. In the rural and semi urban areas, the tourists will get an opportunity to come close to nature to get rid of the monotony of urban life.