Archive · 28 Nov 2025
West Bengal Ranks 2nd in Tourist Popularity
West Bengal is now the second most popular place for tourists in India, after Maharashtra.
In 2024, it had 31 lakh international visitors, which is 14.8% more than in 2023.
The state is attracting tourists from the US, Russia, the UK, and Italy, even though there are no direct flights from these places.
The government is working to make more tourism spots, like the Sundarbans and Darjeeling, and is using the UNESCO recognition of Durga Puja to promote heritage tourism.
However, there are fewer tourists coming from Bangladesh now.
The Modi government's initiatives, like Incredible India and e-visas, have helped boost tourism, but Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is claiming credit for this success.
West Bengal is the second most popular tourist destination in India, after Maharashtra, with 31 lakh international visitors in 2024, a 14.8% increase from 2023.
Top contributing countries include the US, Russia, the UK, and Italy, despite no direct flights from these places.
The government is developing new tourism circuits and leveraging UNESCO recognition of Durga Puja to promote heritage tourism.
There is a decline in tourists from Bangladesh, from 21.2 lakh in 2023 to 17.5 lakh in 2024.
The Modi government's initiatives, such as Incredible India, e-visas, medical visas, and infrastructure improvements, have significantly contributed to the rise in tourism.
- Who
- West Bengal, international tourists, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- What
- West Bengal ranked as the second most popular tourist destination in India
- When
- 2024, with data from January to June 2024
- Where
- West Bengal, India
- Why
- Efforts to diversify tourism offerings, including festival, religious, and MICE tourism, along with government initiatives
Modi Government's Initiatives
Mamata Banerjee's Claims
Credit for Tourism Growth
Modi Government's Initiatives
The Modi government's initiatives like Incredible India, e-visas, medical visas, and infrastructure improvements have significantly boosted tourism in West Bengal.
Mamata Banerjee's Claims
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claims credit for the rise in tourist numbers, attributing it to her government's efforts.
Role of Durga Puja
Modi Government's Initiatives
The Modi government's efforts led to UNESCO recognizing Kolkata's Durga Puja as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, which has attracted more tourists.
Mamata Banerjee's Claims
Mamata Banerjee's government has promoted Durga Puja as a major cultural attraction, drawing international visitors.
- International visitors in 2024
- 31 lakh
- Increase from 2023
- 14.8%
- Top contributing countries
- US, Russia, UK, Italy
- Key attractions
- Durga Puja, Sundarbans, Darjeeling, Mishti Doi, Rabindranath Tagore
- New tourism circuits
- Coastal areas, Sundarbans, Darjeeling, Mirik
- Decline in tourists from
- Bangladesh (from 21.2 lakh to 17.5 lakh)
- UNESCO recognition
- Kolkata's Durga Puja recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
- Initiatives by Modi government
- Incredible India, e-visas, medical visas, infrastructure improvements
Sources
West Bengal ranks as nation’s 2nd most popular tourist spot; US, UK, Russia top contributors
Which were the most-visited states in India in 2024-25? Check the latest list ranked by domestic tourist arrivals
