6 days ago
Bhutan, North Bengal Sign Pact to Boost Cross-Border Tourism
Tourism groups from Bhutan and north Bengal signed an agreement to work together.
They want to make it easier for tourists to travel between India and Bhutan.
Bhutan’s hotel association said Indian visitors provide nearly 70% of its tourism business.
Bhutan has more than 500 hotels.
Tourism is Bhutan’s second-biggest source of revenue after hydropower.
The agreement was signed in Siliguri.
A large travel event called the Bengal Travel Mart will be held there in January 2027.
Officials also said they want to improve Siliguri’s infrastructure and add new attractions.
EHTTOA and Bhutan’s HRAB signed a memorandum to promote India-Bhutan tourism.
The agreement was signed in Siliguri in the presence of tourism minister Shankar Ghosh.
HRAB said Indian visitors account for nearly 70% of Bhutan’s tourism business.
The 10th Bengal Travel Mart will take place in Siliguri from January 7 to 9, 2027.
More than 150 buyers and over 180 exhibitors are expected at the travel mart.
- Who
- The Eastern Himalaya Travel & Tour Operators Association and the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Bhutan, with tourism minister Shankar Ghosh present.
- What
- The two tourism associations signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation and increase cross-border tourist movement.
- Where
- The agreement was signed at Mainak Tourism Property in Siliguri, West Bengal.
- When
- The agreement was signed on Wednesday; the 10th Bengal Travel Mart is scheduled for January 7 to 9, 2027.
- Why
- The pact aims to promote India-Bhutan tourism and facilitate greater travel between the two countries.
Key facts
- Signatories
- Eastern Himalaya Travel & Tour Operators Association and Hotel and Restaurant Association of Bhutan
- Bhutan hotels
- More than 500 hotels across different categories
- Indian tourism contribution
- Nearly 70% of Bhutan’s tourism business depends on Indian visitors
- Bhutan tourism ranking
- Tourism is the country’s second-highest revenue-generating sector after hydropower
- Bengal Travel Mart
- The 10th edition is scheduled for January 7–9, 2027
- Expected buyers
- More than 150 domestic and international buyers
- Expected exhibitors
- More than 180 exhibitors, including major hotel chains
Quotes
Sandipan Ghosh
General secretary of the Eastern Himalaya Travel & Tour Operators Association
“Bhutan has more than 500 hotels across different categories, and nearly 70 per cent of our tourism business depends on Indian visitors. Tourism is the second-highest revenue-generating sector in the country after hydropower. Therefore, such a MoU is important for promoting cross-border tourism”
telegraphindia.com
“Siliguri will emerge as a major tourist destination in the coming years as chief minister Suvendu Adhikari has taken several initiatives for the city. An amusement park on the lines of Calcutta’s Nicco Park and a new bridge over the Mahananda river are among the proposed projects”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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