West Bengal Records 2nd Highest Foreign Tourist Footfall in India, Says CM Mamata Banerjee

By A Staff Reporter

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday announced that the state has secured the second-highest foreign tourist footfall in the country, marking a major milestone in its tourism journey. Citing the recently released India Tourism Data Compendium 2025 by the Union Ministry of Tourism, Banerjee said West Bengal has emerged as one of India’s most preferred international travel destinations.

In a social media post, the Chief Minister expressed pride in the achievement and attributed the increasing inflow of foreign visitors to the government’s efforts in developing diverse tourism offerings. She said the state has successfully revived and strengthened its tourism sector in the post-Covid years by promoting new themes and verticals including festival tourism, religious tourism and MICE — Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions — tourism.

Banerjee also extended a warm invitation to tourists from across India and abroad, urging them to explore what she described as the “sweetest part of India,” rich with heritage, culture, landscapes and vibrant festival traditions. She thanked stakeholders, industry partners and personnel associated with the tourism sector for their continuous commitment and contribution in achieving this recognition.