October 4, 2013
State Tourism to connect visitors via Networking Sites
The state tourism department has decided to use social media these to attract Tourists to visit West Bengal. With more and more people being logged on to social networking sites, the state Tourism Department feels to attract more visitors in this manner. Not only the Dept. is to acquaint tourists across the country regarding the tourism destinations in the State along with details of how to reach there, it will also provide transport options and accommodation facilities available, including the tariffs.
The state has tourism destination ranging from the mountains to the sea. On popular social networking sites, any user may log on to see tickers from 'West Bengal Tourism' – from where they may be redirected to pages that will highlight the popular destinations in the state. The Tourism department is planning to create GPS application for mainly tourists from other states as well as foreigners.
Last year, the government came up with 'Beautiful Bengal', a short promotional film showcasing Bengal as a tourist hotspot featuring Bollywood heartthrob Shah Rukh Khan. The government is working on plans to develop eco-tourism in Sunderban's Jharkhali. The Gajoldoba tourism hub in Dooars is also in progress. In the city, the Torism Dept. has introduced a heritage tram ride.
The government is also keen on developing air connectivity to the state and recently reduced the tax on ATF. New airports are planned in Cooch Behar and Malda. Representatives of tour operator associations, prospective investors, diplomatic missions of Bangladesh, China, Peru, Azerbaijan, Burkina Faso, delegates from hospitality industry, members of tourism boards recently attended a programme organized by the Tourism Dept. which was aimed at highlighting the conducive opportunities for investment in tourism projects in the State.
West Bengal government recently signed an MoU with Pawan Hans Limited to provide helicopter services on Kolkata-Haldia, Kolkata-Asansol, Kolkata-Durgapur, Kolkata-Digha, Kolkata-Ganga Sagar and Bagdogra-Darjeeling routes, to support tourism.
The Tourism Dept has also launched promotional campaign to attract foreign tourists which is particularly aimed at boosting tourism during the forthcoming Durga Puja festival. BBC Worldwide has started airing a 30-second advertisement and a 15-minute documentary on the State from September. The promotional will be aired six to seven times a day (including prime, breakfast time) in Western Europe, South Asia, West Asia and Asia-Pacific for three months ending in September. Apart from promoting Durga Puja, the campaign will also showcase the life, culture and tourism destinations in the State.
The Tourism Dept has also organized multi city raodshow in Hyderabad, Ahemdabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, Lucknow and Delhi.
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