Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who was in Kolkata on Thursday at the ICC Hospitality & Tourism Summit 2026, said that West Bengal was a state with 'immense possibilities'.

Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who was in Kolkata on Thursday at the ICC Hospitality & Tourism Summit 2026, said that West Bengal was a state with 'immense possibilities'.

Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who was in Kolkata on Thursday at the ICC Hospitality & Tourism Summit 2026, said that West Bengal was a state with 'immense possibilities'.

The festive season of Durga Puja is around the corner and as people engage in the celebrations, the BJP government at the Centre is looking to enhance the cultural experience of West Bengal.

The move will open up the state as a tourism destination and, in turn, contribute to the state’s economy. The Union government is considering proposals to include West Bengal in the global standard iconic destinations.

“There are immense opportunities in West Bengal due to its geographical diversity, cultural diversity, cuisine and diversity of music. This makes West Bengal a state with immense possibilities,” said Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who was in Kolkata on Thursday at the ICC Hospitality & Tourism Summit 2026.

The Union Minister said that former government officials in the state were not responsive to dialogue with the Centre on enhancing tourism opportunities in West Bengal.

“I am surprised that for two years that I have been working as the culture and tourism minister, I never got to see any minister or official’s face. Now change has taken place and whatever is required to promote culture will be done,” added Shekhawat.

The Union Minister also said that a tourism port had been sanctioned in West Bengal as part of Swades Darshan 2.0, a scheme that aims to develop thematic tourism circuits in the country.

“I believe that in the coming days in ... West Bengal there are immense possibilities, there will be new employment opportunities and tourism will contribute to the state’s economy,” added the Union Minister.

Speaking on Durga Puja being inscribed in the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2021, Shekhawat said that the grand Bengali festival was in the Centre’s priority list.

“Durga Puja is our priority and soon you will be getting good news,” noted the Union Minister.

The BJP is aiming to showcase West Bengal as an investment-friendly destination and as a tourism hub. Parts of North Bengal, like the hills, as well as coastal locations, are some key focus areas which could see a boost to enhance these tourism destinations.

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