Kolkata is well-known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and its delicious cuisine. Travellers of every kind, whether couples, businessmen, or families, all have a place to visit there. With a huge flow of investments towards hospitality, Kolkata sees a gradual spike in this industry. Through this blog, let’s explore more about this, the probable reasons for this boost, and also some places to visit as a bonus.
New Hotel Openings
In 2024, 367 hotels were signed, and 154 new openings were made in India. This data suggests that there is an overall boom in the hospitality industry in India. When it comes to Kolkata, a huge investment of 32 luxury hotels, with a proposed value of ₹5,000 crores, is about to come just to West Bengal, a Times of India article provides. At the time of publication of this article, Kolkata alone had 3,500 5-star hotel rooms. So, it is anticipated that once the investments are actually made and the new hotels come up, this figure may double.
What’s the recent trend behind the traction for hotels in Kolkata?
- Weddings: For various families around the West Bengal region, Kolkata is the ideal destination for hosting marriages, due to its good infrastructure and other amenities.
- Government support: The West Bengal Government announced ‘hospitality’ as an industry in November 2023. The State Cabinet took this move, intending to give a significant boost and attractive investments towards this industry.
- Added benefit of promoting local identity: Kolkata is well-known for its rich heritage, arts, and cultural events. So, promoting tourism means promoting the local culture and traditions of Kolkata and Bengal. That’s one of the reasons why the Government supports it a lot.
- Durga Puja Festivals: Being recognised as ‘UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’, Durga Puja generally has more visitors from across the globe. During Durga Puja, the entire city transforms into a festive vibe. The themed pandals and the public feasts are the two main highlights of the festival. So, every year the Navaratri gives a seasonal boost to demand for hotels in Kolkata.
- Growth of industries and other commercial activities: Kolkata has various SEZs, both operational and proposed ones. Operational SEZs in Kolkata include Falta SEZ, Manikanchan SEZ, and Wipro SEZ. Further, developments of new commercial spaces have helped. This directly attracts more business travellers, creating demand for hotels in Kolkata, on both an hourly and overnight basis.
- Conspicuous consumption: The interest among the young generation to spend more on premium stays and dining has directly given a boost to luxury hotels in Kolkata.
- Increase in people’s disposable income: An Increase in the disposable income of people has contributed to growth in the demand for tourism and also for booking the best hotels in Kolkata. If they have more money to spend, they wish to travel more and book the best hotels.
- Major events: Each time an event is hosted at the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre, the demand for luxury and 3-star hotels in Kolkata shoots up. These events have attracted a lot of people from both India and abroad.
Places to visit in Kolkata
1. Victoria Memorial
It is a charming white marble building constructed in memory of Queen Victoria. It remains closed on Mondays.
2. Eco Park
It is a large urban park, featuring lakes and trees, and is located near the New Town. You can witness the themed gardens and consider a boat ride on the lakes there. This park is closed on Mondays.
3. Rabindra Sarobar
It is a popular artificial lake located in South Kolkata. It is a paradise for those who love morning or evening walks. Just try visiting this.
4. Millennium Park
It is a riverside park, located near the banks of the Hooghly River. You can enjoy an amazing view of Howrah Bridge from here.
Final takeaway
Kolkata still has a greater scope for growth in the hospitality industry. There are various SEZs and commercial centres yet to become operational. Moreover, the Government’s push towards travel and tourism has also contributed to this boom.
Further, for the places discussed above, you can consider staying at a hotel in Kolkata, which is centrally located. From where you can get easier access to these spots.
Now you have seen the reasons behind the spike so far. What do you think would lead the rally? Hope to hear from you!
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