West Bengal Tourism Minister Shankar Ghosh has indicated that the state government is considering the development of an online platform that would provide tourists with real-time information on hotel bookings, room availability and accommodation options across tourist destinations in the state.
The proposal, currently under consideration, aims to enable travellers to access updated information on accommodation availability before planning their visits, helping them make informed booking decisions.
Speaking to reporters after formally assuming charge of the Tourism Department at Mainak Tourist Lodge in Siliguri, Ghosh said the proposal would be examined in consultation with stakeholders and relevant authorities before a decision is taken on its implementation.
He said the initiative could significantly improve the travel planning experience by offering tourists comprehensive accommodation information throughout the year across various destinations in West Bengal.
The minister also outlined plans to accelerate tourism development in the state over the next six months, with a focus on strengthening infrastructure, enhancing visitor experiences and promoting sustainable tourism practices.
Addressing concerns over environmental degradation in North Bengal, Ghosh acknowledged that unregulated tourism activities and illegal mining have affected the region’s ecological balance. He said future tourism projects would be developed with an emphasis on sustainability and environmental conservation.
The minister further announced that special attention would be given to promoting religious tourism, particularly for senior citizens, as part of efforts to diversify the state’s tourism offerings.
A meeting with tourism department officials has been scheduled for June 17 to discuss key development initiatives and policy priorities. Ghosh said the government would explore Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models to strengthen tourism infrastructure and improve service delivery.
He also highlighted the need to involve tourism researchers and experts in shaping future tourism strategies and policy interventions.
Emphasising district-level tourism development, Ghosh said efforts would be made to showcase the unique cultural, historical and geographical characteristics of every district, creating a more diverse tourism ecosystem and encouraging visitors to explore destinations beyond traditional tourism circuits.
The proposed digital accommodation platform forms part of the state’s broader strategy to modernise tourism services and improve accessibility for domestic and international travellers.
