Bengal woos investors with projects worth Rs 4000 cr

"There are ample opportunities of developing tourism projects in the state as we have Himalayan mountain range and tea gardens at Darjeeling, largest riverine delta with mangrove forest and Royal Bengal tiger at Sunderbans, the river Ganga for cruise, Bay of Bengal lapping the state and many more attractions for tourists," Bengal Finance Minister Amit Mitra said at the FICCI conclave here.

He said many new airports are also coming up in the state to cater to the growing need of air connectivity.

Assuring the investors of a problem-free climate, Mitra said, "We have earmarked land at Sunderbans, Digha and many other places for setting up budget and star hotels and these projects are bankable."

Wooing the industry, he said "We have brought a portfolio of projects approximately worth Rs 4000 cr and, therefore, we hope that the investors present here would come. These projects are already in the market. RFPs are being prepared with timeline."

Claiming that it is for the first time that a state has offered such bankable projects, Mitra said, "There is no problem of land acquisition as government has already given land to these projects."

Speaking on the occasion, Tourism Additional Director General Usha Sharma said tourism sector is growing in the country and it can help in alleviating poverty and generate employment opportunities.

"India received 6.31 million foreign tourist in 2011 and we are aiming to double the arrival by the end of 12th Five-Year Plan," Sharma said.

The increased tourist arrivals require additional hotel rooms and as per estimate there will be a need for nearly two lakh rooms in the country by 2016.

She said increase inflow of tourists require better infrastructure and the ministry is providing funds for the development of mega tourism destinations in the country.

Highlighting the importance of tour and travel sector in the growth of economy, she said, "Government has declared the hotel and tourism related industry a high priority and has allowed foreign direct investment up to 100 per cent subject to applicable laws."