West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that UNESCO has recognized the state as a leading destination for heritage tourism. She highlighted how the tourism sector has created job opportunities for millions of young people in the state.
Speaking in the assembly, Banerjee underlined Bengal’s advancements in heritage, religious, and tea tourism. “UNESCO has declared Bengal as a top destination for heritage tourism. We have undertaken major initiatives to develop heritage sites. We are also focusing on religious tourism by enhancing iconic places of worship, such as the Dakshineshwar temple and the Kalighat temple,” she said, according to PTI.
The Chief Minister shared updates on ongoing projects, including the nearly completed Jagannath temple at Digha, which will soon open for devotees. She also highlighted Bengal’s diverse attractions, saying, “We have mountains, forests, and the Sunderbans. We are showcasing the unique features of each location. Thousands of hotels have also been built in tourist areas.”
Tourism Minister Indranil Sen added that 2,489 homestays have been established across the state, with 65% located in North Bengal. Banerjee also announced a tender for constructing a bridge over the Muriganga River in Ganga Sagar Island, known for the annual Gangasagar Mela.
