According to figures cited in media reports, the state drew 31 lakh foreign visitors in 2024, up from 27 lakh the previous year — a steady climb that pushed it ahead of Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan in the national tourism charts.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee credited the initiatives taken by her government post-COVID-19 to create and promote new verticals of tourism as the reason behind the resurgence.

International visitors exploring Kolkata’s popular landmarks. Photo: IBNS

"Proud to share that West Bengal has emerged as one of the most favoured international tourist destinations in the country, and has achieved another great milestone!!" she wrote on X.

She said: "In the recently released India Tourism Data Compendium 2025 by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India , West Bengal has attracted 2nd highest foreign tourist footfall in the country!"

" The tourism resurgence post covid is a reflection of the initiatives taken by us to create and promote new verticals of tourism, including festival tourism, religious tourism, MICE ( Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism among others."

She invited international and domestic tourists to visit the state and experience its 'beauty, culture and heritage'.

"I thank all tourism stakeholders who have worked relentlessly towards achieving this proud moment for West Bengal," Banerjee said.

(Image Courtesy: Sujoy Dhar/Avishek Mitra/IBNS/India Tourism Data Compendium 2025)