The West Bengal government has received tourism investment commitments worth Rs. 125.34 bn, with the proposed projects expected to generate more than 22,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities across tourism-related sectors. The commitments were announced at an Investors’ Meet hosted at Taj Bengal in Kolkata on World Tourism Day.

Held under the theme From Intent to Investment, the meeting focused on tourism infrastructure, investment opportunities and private-sector participation. The proposed projects span hotels, business accommodation, tea tourism, resorts, heritage properties, leisure destinations and wellness facilities.

Participating business groups include Ambuja Neotia Group, Apeejay Surendra Group, which operates The Park, KKG, EVARA Hospitality, MLA Group, Hilton & Beekay and Sonerio Hotels. Proposals for North Bengal involve Luxmi Tea Co., BLG Group, L.R. Agro through ITC Mementos, Hurdeodass Co., Dzongri Properties, LBS Hotel & Resorts and Four Vedas Hotel & Resorts.

Additional proposed investments have been identified from Sree Balaji Group, Tulsa Group, Pomesh Health Care, Bari Kothi Heritage Hotels, Satya Spa & Resorts and Hotel Sonar Bangla Group. These projects are aimed at expanding heritage tourism, wellness offerings and leisure infrastructure in different parts of the state.

The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta, Tourism Minister Shankar Ghosh, Minister of State for Tourism Purnima Chakraborty, Additional Chief Secretary Barun Kumar Roy, industrialist Harshvardhan Neotia, 36 other investors and industry representatives. The government also presented a digital tourism agenda incorporating artificial intelligence for destination management, international outreach and visitor services.

Ghosh launched a bilingual digital platform and mobile application through which users can contact him, submit proposals and ideas, and lodge complaints. The state plans to develop emerging destinations and niche tourism products while promoting sustainable infrastructure and private investment. The proposals are expected to strengthen tourism infrastructure and support employment generation across West Bengal.