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With West Bengal tourism sector ‘growing at 15%’, state govt signs 7 MoUs, announces policy change for tea plantations

The MICE Tourism Meeting held at the BGBS 2025 witnessed the announcement of a new hotel by The Park in North Bengal.

A key area of focus for the state is MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism.

Kolkata is rapidly gaining traction as a prime destination for tourism investment, securing at least seven Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) at the Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS), 2025. This surge in interest signals a shift in investor focus, moving beyond established tourism hubs like Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Goa.

“West Bengal’s tourism sector is growing at an impressive 15%, outpacing several other states like Goa and Rajasthan across the country. The MICE Tourism Meeting held during this summit witnessed the signing of multiple MoUs and the announcement of a new hotel by The Park in North Bengal,” said Rudra Chatterjee, who is the managing director of Luxmi Group, Chairman of Obeetee Pvt. Ltd. and co-chair of the state Tourism department.

A key area of focus for the state is MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism. “Seven MoUs have been signed, one of which is between us and Park Hotel. There are 50 big conferences scheduled in the coming year,” said Chatterjee.

“Tourism contributes significantly to the state’s economy, accounting for 13% of its total GDP. Today, 6 percent of the total employment in Bengal is in the tourism sector,” he added. He also highlighted the sector’s job creation potential. “If we invest Rs 1 lakh, the tourism sector gives employment to 72 people; in other industries, it is nearly 40. Tourism is just double the number.”

Further boosting the sector, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a major policy change regarding tea tourism at the BGBS. Tea plantations will now be permitted to utilize up to 30% of their uncultivated land for tourism and other industries, doubling the previous limit of 15%. This decision has been met with enthusiasm from the tea industry.

As one Tea Garden Management representative noted, “For a 1,000-acre plantation, 30 percent would equate to 300 acres of land. This opens up opportunities for developing tourism infrastructure or even smaller industrial ventures, such as medical hubs.” This policy shift is expected to further enhance West Bengal’s attractiveness for investment and boost economic activity in the region.

Sweety Kumari

Sweety Kumari is a seasoned journalist reporting from West Bengal for The Indian Express. With over a decade of experience in the media industry and eight years specifically with The Indian Express, she demonstrates considerable Expertise and Authority across a diverse range of critical beats. Experience & Authority Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express, reporting from West Bengal. Extensive Tenure: Over 10 years of experience in the media industry, with a long association (8 years) with The Indian Express, contributing to a high level of Trustworthiness. Diverse Coverage: Covers crucial beats including Crime, Defence, Health, and Politics, alongside writing on trending topics. Investigative Focus: Possesses a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories, demonstrating depth and skill in impactful journalism. Beat Versatility: Has honed her craft across diverse beats, including aviation and reporting on various incidents, ensuring well-rounded and comprehensive reportage. Career Start: Began her journalistic journey as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a news portal in Kolkata, providing a foundational understanding of media landscape and audience engagement. Education Advanced Education: Holds a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, equipping her with advanced media theory and skills. Undergraduate Education: Holds an Honours degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College. Multilingual Skill: Her fluency in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili enhances her reach and capability to connect with diverse sources and communities in the region, adding a layer of accessibility and authenticity to her reporting. Regional Roots: Originally from Bihar, she was brought up and educated in Kolkata (Kendriya Vidyalaya Salt Lake), giving her a deep, personal understanding of the cultural and political nuances of her reporting region. Sweety Kumari's combination of significant experience, specialization in key beats like Crime and Politics, and strong academic background makes her a trusted and authoritative contributor to The Indian Express. ... Read More

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