West Bengal Positions Itself As A Monsoon State

Joy Roy Choudhury - Kolkata

Following in line with our previous analysis, about State Tourism Boards - Redefining The Monsoons, the state of West Bengal is in full gear to cash in on the monsoon season. Gaining inspiration from states such as Kerala and Goa, West Bengal too will sell itself as a monsoon destination.

Aptly christened, ’Barshay Bangla Dekhun’ (Visit & See Bengal in Monsoons) would be all set for a launch some time next year. The idea had been conceptualised recently and the plans are still on the first level of discussions. Promotional efforts for the same are likely to begin by the end of 2004. State tourism officials are not only confident about the prospect of its success, but are also determined to beat Kerala and Goa in the next couple of years as far as tourists arrival is concerned. “West Bengal has more to offer, its enchanting northern hills, its unspoilt forests, its idyllic villages, the rivers, the seas, and of course, a vibrant city that takes on completely different colours during the rainy season,” mentioned a senior state tourism department official.

Brainchild of the state tourism minister, Dinesh Chandra Dakua, the idea is to promote West Bengal as a ’Monsoon Destination’ like Goa and Kerala. Confirming the development, S N Bhattacharjee, managing director, West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (WBTDC), added, “In West Bengal the holiday season starts from October and continues till May after that we hardly get any tourists during the monsoons between June to September. States like Goa and Kerala have been successful in promoting their states as attractive monsoon destinations. When they can do it, then there is no reason, why we can not do it. our state has much more to offer in terms of monsoon tourism than any other states. Last year we had organised a similar tour with a private tour operator on a small scale, which became very popular.

The state tourism department and the state-run WBTDC are working together to draw up a detailed project. Bhattacharjee further added, “We will be submitting the proposal soon. The plan involves developing integrated circuits. One will be for the hills and the Dooars, because visiting the rain-soaked forests is a different experience altogether. The picturesque Mukutmonipur can be another place, which can be added in the circuit. Though the infrastructure is not adequate in Mukutmonipur at present but we are exploring the possibility of setting up a hotel project with a private promoter on a joint-venture basis.” Bhattacharjee said, places like Bolpur and some spots along the riverbanks may be also included in the package. The Sunderbans will be another area, which we would be trying to promote. Initially we will start it on our own but we will seek the cooperation of private tour operators to promote it once it becomes popular.