Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tourism plans have caused a clear rise in foreign visitors across India, and this wave of growth has helped several states move forward. West Bengal is one of the biggest beneficiaries.

The state, which held the third position in tourism during 2023–2024, has now moved up to second place in 2025. This is a proud outcome for the country, showing that India’s global appeal is growing stronger. But instead of giving credit to the national efforts behind this shift, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee seems eager to praise herself for the improvement.

She posted on social media congratulating herself for this rise. Yet, Mamata Banerjee has been the chief minister since 2011, and during these many years in power, she has not shown any major push to upgrade tourism. Much of the progress seen today comes from long-running central government programs—such as Incredible India, e-visas, medical visas, and upgrades in national infrastructure ranging from cruise facilities to improved road networks. These national-level steps have played the real role in lifting West Bengal’s tourism numbers.

Bengal rises as the third and now second key tourist destination

West Bengal first climbed to the third position and has now moved to second place among the most preferred destinations for foreign tourists. Earlier, Maharashtra topped the list, followed by Gujarat. Today, Bengal has surpassed states like Rajasthan and Delhi, showing a clear shift in visitor preferences.

At the beginning of the year, reports had already suggested that Bengal would see a higher number of visitors compared to previous years. Those early predictions have come true. Based on the Union Tourism Ministry’s India Tourism Data Compendium 2025, Bengal now holds the second spot in the country for international tourist arrivals, reaching a total of 3.12 million visitors from abroad.

This sudden growth is mainly the result of the Modi government’s persistent tourism programs and reforms that have expanded India’s global reach.

Durga Puja gains global fame and attracts international attention

West Bengal’s festivals and cultural richness continue to pull foreign visitors, and Kolkata’s Durga Puja has played a major part in this. The festival has gained worldwide attention, and this is the period when many foreign tourists plan their trips to Bengal.

This recognition reached a new height in December 2021, when UNESCO added Kolkata’s Durga Puja to its “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” list. UNESCO described the festival as “the finest example of the fusion of religion and art.” This decision inspired thousands of artisans and artists who spend the entire year creating the idols of Goddess Durga. Their dedication, combined with global appreciation, has strengthened Bengal’s cultural image internationally.

E-Visa and Medical Visa simplify travel and boost arrivals

Private hospitals in Bengal receive a high number of medical visitors, especially from Bangladesh. The state’s close distance to the border and the easy process for medical visas have increased this flow. Many patients choose Bengal despite concerns about the declining state healthcare system under Mamata Banerjee.

Prime Minister Modi’s Heal in India initiative aims to work with the private sector to raise healthcare to international standards. Bengal is enjoying the benefits of this program. The central government has also made the medical visa process smoother, leading to a record rise in Bangladeshi medical visitors. The introduction of e-visas has further reduced complications, making it much easier for foreign tourists to visit.

Incredible India continues to shape India’s global image

The sharp increase in foreign tourist arrivals is strongly linked to the Incredible India campaign. The initiative, started by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, was later expanded by Prime Minister Modi. E-visas, medical visas, global outreach campaigns, and easier entry options all strengthened this program. Built on the idea of “Atithi Devo Bhava,” the project was revived in 2017 through Incredible India 2.0, receiving major promotion on digital and social media.

The government is also preparing for the One State, One Global Destination campaign, expected to support all states by 2027.

A dedicated Incredible India digital portal was introduced, offering visitors all the key information they need—from researching destinations to planning trips, booking travel, and returning home. The Book Your Travel feature allows easy booking of flights, hotels, and cabs, helping tourists travel smoothly. West Bengal has clearly benefited from these developments.

Incredible India Homestay Initiative expands local income and comfort

The central government introduced a voluntary homestay initiative to make travel easier for tourists and to help local people earn more. The plan allows five to six villages to set up around five to ten homestays each, with financial support of up to ₹5 crore. This makes accommodation more accessible while generating income for local families.

Development of Tribal Tourism Circuits under Swadesh Darshan

Under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, theme-based tourism circuits such as the Ramayana Circuit and the Buddhist Circuit are being created. The Tribal Homestay Project is also part of this effort, aimed at upgrading tourist destinations with financial help from the central government.

Prasad initiative strengthens pilgrimage tourism

The PRASAD initiative focuses on protecting major pilgrimage sites and improving the services around them. Development plans include the Tripura Sanduri Temple, the Chamundeshwari Devi Temple, and Patna Sahib. The government has also been promoting domestic tourism across India under the Dekho Apna Desh program.

Special tourism segments have emerged as well, including festival tourism, adventure tourism, wedding tourism, and cruise tourism. These include promotion of festivals, support for mountaineering, and the India Says I Do program, which markets wedding destinations.

Enhancement of Cruise Tourism creates new travel opportunities

Kolkata has gained from the rise of cruise tourism. The state now hosts several cruise services, such as the Bengal Ganga Cruise. A new cruise tourism corridor is being developed in the Bay of Bengal, linking India with ASEAN countries. There is also a luxury cruise service starting from Kolkata, showcasing the culture and architecture of Bengal along the Hooghly River.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has questioned Mamata Banerjee’s claims regarding the rise in tourist numbers. BJP leader Amit Malviya posted online, asking what she is taking credit for, since tourism has been a major focus for the Modi government.

Mamata Banerjee’s shameless “proud milestone” for Bengal tourism?

With assembly elections approaching, the Mamata government appears ready to claim every possible achievement. Tourism not only supports state revenue but also offers real benefits to ordinary people. Yet for almost 15 years, Mamata Banerjee has shown only minimal effort toward improving tourism. A culturally rich state like Bengal could have grown far more during this time, but those opportunities were largely missed.