From Americans to Russians, Bengal has become the second most favourite state in India for foreign tourists… What’s the reason?

Second most favourite state in India for foreign tourists: West Bengal has emerged as the second most preferred state for foreign tourists. In 2024, the state received 3.1 million international tourists, a 14.8% increase compared to 2023. Maharashtra remained in first place.

Why second most favourite state in India for foreign tourists?

West Bengal is rapidly becoming a favorite tourist destination among foreign tourists visiting India. According to data from the Union Ministry of Tourism, West Bengal has emerged as the second most popular destination for foreign tourists in the country in 2024. According to the India Tourism Data Compendium, the state is projected to receive 3.1 million foreign tourists in 2024, a 14.8% increase compared to 2.7 million tourists in 2023.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee attributed this achievement to the state government’s various tourism initiatives. She stated that extensive efforts have been made to promote festival tourism, religious tourism, cruise tourism, and hill tourism in Bengal. She wrote on Instagram, “I am proud to share that West Bengal has now become one of the most popular international tourist destinations in the country. This is another major achievement for the state.”

How many tourists came to Bengal from the US and Russia?

According to the Indian Express, thousands of tourists from the US (80,647), Russia (79,758), the UK (77,792), and Italy (64,225) visited Bengal in 2024. It is noteworthy that there are no direct flights from these countries to Bengal. TMC MP Derek O’Brien praised the state government’s efforts.

UNESCO has recognized Bengal’s Durga Puja as a cultural heritage. The government is also trying to capitalize on this heritage tourism. Religious sites like Gangasagar, Tarapith, and Dakshineswar, as well as tourist destinations like Tajpur, Sundarbans, Darjeeling, and Mirik, are being strengthened. Homestay tourism is also being promoted.

Additionally, initiatives like the Bengal Mango Fair and the Handloom-Handicraft Expo are considered major steps toward showcasing the state’s cultural and traditional identity globally. However, in the meantime, there has been a significant decline in tourist arrivals from Bangladesh. While 2.12 million Bangladeshis visited India in 2023, this number dropped to 1.75 million in 2024.

Which state received the most tourists?

Maharashtra received the highest number of foreign tourists in India during 2024, with approximately 3.7 million. West Bengal followed in second place, welcoming over 3.1 million foreign tourists. Gujarat came in third, with approximately 2.3 million foreign tourists. Uttar Pradesh came in fourth, with 2.4 million international tourists.

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Faq’s(Second most favourite state in India for foreign tourists)