West Bengal plans to attract foreign tourists during Durgapuja

"We have already organised roadshows in Bangalore and plan more such programme in other major cities like Delhi and Surat, besides drawing attention of tourists from Bangkok, Singapore and neighbouring countries with the help of various central and foreign agencies," he said.

An apex body 'Forum for Durgapuja' would be set up soon to work with the West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation to make the project successful.

The department would shortly announce detailed packages along with toll-free number for help desk and other contacts to assist the tourists, he said.

Some of the packages already announced included visit to major puja pandals in the metropolis, visit to houses of erstwhile aristocratic families organising Durgapuja and river cruise connecting Belur Math, Dakshineswar and Botanical Garden.

"More tourists would open up sources of income for many people," Singh said.

The minister met tour operators, hotel owners and different transport agencies, besides several other government departments in this regard.