Department of Tourism, West Bengal and Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH) held a day-long workshop to formulate a tourism development strategy aiming at creation of livelihood and job opportunities in the state.
The workshop, first in series in pursuance to the Memorandum of Agreement signed between the FAITH and Government of West Bengal on 21st April, 2022, held discussions on multiple issues relating to the strategy roadmap for tourism development for the state of West Bengal.
A milestone and timeline-based implementation roadmap will be put in place by the joint task force for subsequent consideration by the Government of West Bengal.
The workshop discussed ways to evolve an eclectic and holistic tourism strategy for tapping the immense tourism potential of the state; connecting tourism with the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of the state thereby promoting and protecting folk art, craft and folk genres.
It was decided to constitute sub-groups for more focused attention on niche tourism sectors including Heritage Tourism, Rural Tourism, Film Tourism, Adventure Tourism, Eco Tourism, River Tourism and MICE tourism.
There was a consensus to evaluate in detail many of the issues concerning tourism, travel and hospitality industry including policy for heritage tourism, direct and last mile connectivity for tourist destinations, strengthening single window clearance etc.
Adventure and eco-tourism policy, prioritization of top 10 tourism products and segments, marketing and awareness campaign, development of district-wise tourism inventory were also discussed at the workshop.
A detailed ideation on the above was subsequently undertaken with officials of Department of Tourism led by Tourism Secretary, Dr. Saumitra Mohan. While from FAITH, the session was attended by presidents of its member associations and their key West Bengal representatives under the leadership Chairman FAITH Nakul Anand.
