Kolkata, Sept. 2 -- With an aim to attract more American tourists and expand the state's links with global tourism markets, the state Tourism minister Shankar Ghosh held a meeting with US Consul General Katherin Giles-Diaz.
During the meeting, Ghosh emphasised the state government's intent to pursue direct international flights to attract more American tourists.
He also outlined the government's plans to introduce 23 district-level 24x7 helplines alongside a centralised state tourism helpline functioning 365 days a year to enhance safety measures for tourists. Ghosh discussed the possibility of direct international flight connectivity to Kolkata with the US Consul General.
"We want Kolkata to have stronger direct international connectivity so that tourists from overseas can reach West Bengal more conveniently. We are taking concrete steps to ensure that tourists feel safe and receive assistance whenever they need it," Ghosh said.
He urged the US Consul General to encourage American visitors to use the official West Bengal Tourist App to book only government-registered hotels, homestays, travel agents and transport providers.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.