Discover Bihar: Tourism Roadshow in Kolkata Promotes Heritage and Spiritual Circuits

Patna: The Bihar Tourism Roadshow took place at Hotel Hyatt in Kolkata on Saturday, aiming to bolster tourism ties and investments. The event saw Tourism Secretary Abhay Kumar Singh addressing a gathering of businessmen, travel agents, tour operators, and hoteliers, sharing insights into the state’s tourism plans, programs, and policies.

In his address, Singh highlighted the significant policy-level work being undertaken to enhance infrastructure across all tourism circuits in Bihar. He noted that substantial facilities, including subsidies, are being provided to the tourism industry, yielding positive outcomes. The arrival of five-star hotels, such as the Taj Hotel by Ambuja Neotia Group with an investment of Rs 236 crore, and investments by Hyatt and Sarovar Group in Bodh Gaya, were cited as examples of this progress.

Singh emphasized the remarkable strides made in religious and spiritual tourism, reporting that Bihar attracted over 80 million tourists last year, with a significant number from West Bengal. The state’s efforts have been recognized with three awards at India Today’s annual Tourism Awards. The ecosystem for tourism in Bihar continues to improve, and Singh extended an invitation to stakeholders from West Bengal to attend the Patna Travel and Tourism Fair (TTF) on September 21-22.

The Kolkata event, running until July 14 under the leadership of Director of Tourism Vinay Kumar Rai, saw Bihar Tourism Department officials inviting tourists to explore the state’s rich cultural heritage, historical sites, and lesser-known destinations. The promotion included highlights of the Ramayana, Sufi, Buddhist, and Jain circuits, alongside key heritage, cultural, and eco-tourism spots.

Officials also encouraged investors and industry stakeholders to consider Bihar for tourism and investment opportunities. The department announced plans to organize familiarization tours, local cultural programs, a summit for tourism sector investors, and workshops aimed at enhancing collaboration and growth in the tourism industry. Singh assured that the Department of Tourism in Patna is committed to providing comprehensive facilities to ensure a pleasant and fruitful experience for all.