Bengal emerges as global tourism hotspot with record-breaking foreign arrivals – GetBengal Story
Bengal is experiencing a boom in tourism. According to data from the Union Ministry of Tourism's ‘India Tourism Statistics 2023,’ the state recorded a staggering 32 lakh international tourist arrivals in 2023–24, the third highest in India after Maharashtra and Gujarat.
State Tourism Minister Indranil Sen shared the numbers in the West Bengal Assembly on Thursday. According to Mr. Sen, it is a “huge achievement,” and Bengal is now “firmly on the international tourism map.” The rise is significant…from 10.4 lakh visitors in 2021–22 to 27.1 lakh in 2022–23, and now 32 lakh. Bengal accounted for 14.8% of all foreign tourist arrivals in India last year.
Mr. Sen also clarified that Bengal's foreign visitor surge is not driven solely by tourists from neighbouring Bangladesh. Only 1.8 lakh out of 32 lakh came from Bangladesh, and over 27 lakh were from Europe, Russia, and Australia.
Kolkata’s Durga Puja, inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2021, continues to be a major magnet. In 2023, from Mahalaya to Diwali, over 5 lakh foreign tourists visited the city. Industry insiders estimate at least 20,000 of them experienced the puja festivities in Kolkata during the main five days.
While Kolkata grabs headlines, the hills of North Bengal are drawing growing international attention. “Destinations like Darjeeling and Kurseong are now being chosen over overcrowded spots like Shimla and Manali,” said Manav Soni of the Travel Agents Association of India. Tea tourism is also seeing an uptick, with estates offering immersive travel experiences.
Bengal’s lesser-known districts are stepping into the spotlight too. Purulia and Bankura, once on the fringes of mainstream tourism, are becoming new favourites.
In terms of professionalising its tourism industry, Bengal is also at the forefront. With 1,022 certified tour guides trained under the state's Tourist Guide Certification Scheme, it currently holds the record for the most in India. Even new religious landmarks are contributing. The Jagannath Temple in Digha, for example, has become a major spiritual and tourist attraction for both domestic and foreign pilgrims.
From vibrant festivals to tranquil hills, spiritual destinations to cultural heritage—Bengal is no longer just a stopover. Rather, Bengal is rising fast on the global tourism radar.
