Kolkata, July 10 -- West Bengal Tourism Minister Sankar Ghosh on Friday said the state government is preparing a tourist data bank with assistance from IIT-Kharagpur to better understand travellers' preferences and strengthen tourism promotion across the state.
Speaking at the inauguration of the three-day Travel and Tourism Fair (TTF) in Kolkata, Ghosh said the government is collecting data on the type of tourists visiting West Bengal and their requirements. "With the help of this data bank, we will promote the products of our state for tourists," he said.
The minister also announced that the Tourism Department is drafting a comprehensive homestay policy aimed at benefiting both travellers and service providers. He said suggestions from homestay associations and other stakeholders would be incorporated before finalising the policy. Emphasising the need for sustainable tourism, Ghosh called for planned initiatives to ensure long-term growth of the sector.
Uttarakhand Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj, Goa Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte and Khun Siriporn Tantipanyathep, Consul-General of the Royal Thai Consulate-General, attended the inaugural programme as guests of honour.
The three-day fair, organised ahead of the Durga Puja festival and the winter travel season, has brought together tourism boards, travel companies, hospitality brands, airlines and travel technology providers. WITH Agency INPUTS
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.