Kolkata is seeing a tourism surge in 2025, with new direct flights to Bangkok and Singapore making the city a top choice for international travelers. These changes are bringing more visitors, boosting the local economy, and helping Kolkata become a major travel hub in Eastern South Asia.
Record Tourism Growth and New Connections
In the past year, Kolkata and West Bengal have welcomed a record number of international tourists. According to official data, West Bengal saw 32 lakh (3.2 million) international arrivals in 2023–24, making it the third most-visited state in India by foreign tourists, after Maharashtra and Gujarat. This is a big jump from 27.1 lakh visitors in 2022–23 and only 10.4 lakh in 2021–22. The steady rise shows how quickly the region has bounced back after the pandemic.
Industry leaders expect this growth to continue. For the financial years 2024–25 and 2025–26, experts predict a 25–40% increase in tourist traffic. Much of this growth is tied to new direct flights between Kolkata, Bangkok, and Singapore. These routes are making travel easier and cheaper for people from Southeast Asia and beyond.
The Travel & Tourism Fair Kolkata 2025, held from July 10–12, brought together over 500 exhibitors from more than 25 Indian states and 14 countries. The event highlighted Kolkata’s growing reputation as a center for both leisure and business travel, including meetings, conferences, and exhibitions.
Direct Flights: A Game Changer for Kolkata
The launch of direct flights between Kolkata and two major Southeast Asian cities—Bangkok and Singapore—is a key part of the region’s tourism strategy. While exact airline launch dates for 2025 are not detailed in public sources, officials and industry groups agree that these new connections are already making a difference.
Kolkata is now promoted as a connectivity hub. It links not only Eastern India with Southeast Asia but also connects to neighboring countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. This makes Kolkata an important stop for travelers moving across the region.
Key organizations involved in this push include the West Bengal Tourism Department, the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), and the Travel Agents Association of India. The Consulate General of Thailand and the Singapore Tourism Board are also working closely with local authorities to promote these routes and encourage more visitors.
Tourism Data and Government Support
The numbers show just how important tourism has become for Kolkata:
- 32 lakh international arrivals in 2023–24, which is about 14.8% of all foreign tourists to India.
- During the Durga Puja festival in 2023, over 5 lakh foreign tourists visited Kolkata.
- The main source countries for tourists are Europe, Russia, and Australia, with only 1.8 lakh visitors from Bangladesh.
The government is backing this growth with big investments. The Union Budget 2025–26 set aside ₹2,541.06 crore for tourism infrastructure, skill development, and travel support. The Swadesh Darshan 2.0 program is funding 40 projects across 23 states, with a total investment of ₹3,295.8 crore. This program focuses on sustainable tourism and making travel easier for everyone.
Visa rules have also been made simpler. The government now offers streamlined e-visa facilities and visa-fee waivers for certain tourist groups. This means less paperwork and lower costs for many international visitors. You can apply for an Indian e-visa through the official government portal.
West Bengal also leads the country in the number of certified tour guides, with over 1,000 trained professionals ready to help visitors.
How New Flights and Policies Affect Travelers
The new direct flights to Bangkok and Singapore are expected to:
- Cut travel time and costs for international tourists
- Increase the number of visitors from Southeast Asia and other regions
- Make it easier for business travelers and companies to hold meetings and events in Kolkata
- Strengthen Kolkata’s position as a regional transit and tourism hub
Other cross-border projects, like the BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement and the Bengal-Bangladesh Inland and Coastal Waterways Connectivity, are making it easier for people and goods to move between Kolkata and nearby countries. This helps both tourists and businesses.
Visa changes are also making a big difference. The e-visa process is now faster and simpler, and some groups even get their visa fees waived. This is especially helpful for travelers from Southeast Asia, who can now visit Kolkata with less hassle.
| Feature | Tourist Visa | Business Visa | Medical Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Process | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Cost | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Processing Time | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Validity | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Voices from the Industry and Government
Leaders from the tourism sector and government are excited about these changes. Indranil Sen, West Bengal Tourism Minister, said, “Bengal is now firmly on the international tourism map… This is a huge achievement.” Debjit Dutta, from IATO’s West Bengal Chapter, added, “Bengal could firmly establish itself as the gateway to Eastern South Asia… Cross-border linkage is crucial to unlocking the full potential of inbound tourism.”
At the Travel & Tourism Fair Kolkata 2025, Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, pointed out how important Kolkata has become for both national and international tourism partnerships.
Step-by-Step Guide for Tourists and Industry Players
If you’re planning a trip to Kolkata from Bangkok or Singapore, here’s what you need to know:
- Book Your Flight: Check major airlines and travel websites for direct flights to Kolkata. Schedules and airline partners may change, so look for the latest information.
- Apply for a Visa: Use India’s e-visa portal. Choose the right visa type (tourist, business, medical, etc.), upload your documents, pay the fee (which may be waived for some groups), and wait for your e-visa by email.
- Arrive in Kolkata: When you land at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, you’ll go through immigration and customs. From there, you can reach the city by metro, taxi, or app-based rides.
For tour operators:
- Work with Local Partners: Connect with the West Bengal Tourism Department, IATO, and international partners to create joint marketing campaigns and travel packages.
- Join Trade Fairs: Sign up for events like the Travel & Tourism Fair Kolkata to meet new partners and explore fresh markets.
Background: How Kolkata Became a Tourism Hotspot
Before 2020, Kolkata was not a top international gateway. Direct flights to Southeast Asia were limited, and most foreign tourists went to other Indian cities. But things changed quickly after the pandemic. Investments in tourism infrastructure, digital services, and the UNESCO recognition of Durga Puja as an Intangible Cultural Heritage event all helped bring more visitors.
From 2024 onward, the focus has been on better air connections, easier cross-border travel, and using technology to make tourism smoother. These steps have helped Kolkata become a global destination.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Kolkata’s Tourism
Experts believe that direct international routes, especially to Southeast Asia, will keep expanding through 2026. This should bring even more tourists to Kolkata. The government is also investing in eco-tourism, digital tools, and skill training to make sure growth is sustainable and benefits everyone.
Travelers and industry players should watch for more visa relaxations, new flight announcements, and updates to tourism programs like Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD.
Official Resources for Travelers
- West Bengal Tourism: tourism.wb.gov.in
- Ministry of Tourism, Government of India: tourism.gov.in
- Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport: kolkatainternationalairport.com
- Indian e-Visa Portal: indianvisaonline.gov.in
Multiple Perspectives: What Experts and Partners Say
Industry leaders stress the need for even simpler cross-border travel and more marketing focused on specific regions. Government officials say that building better infrastructure, training workers, and working with international partners are the keys to continued growth. International partners, especially from Thailand and Singapore, are deeply involved in promoting new routes and tourism projects, showing strong cooperation between countries.
Summary and Practical Tips
- Kolkata’s tourism sector is booming in 2025, with record international arrivals and a projected 25–40% growth in the next two years.
- New direct flights to Bangkok and Singapore and regional projects are turning Kolkata into a major international gateway.
- Government policies, investments, and easier visa processes are making travel smoother and boosting the local economy.
- Travelers and businesses should stay updated on new routes, visa changes, and trade events to make the most of these opportunities.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes are not only helping Kolkata grow but are also making it easier for people from Bangkok, Singapore, and beyond to visit, work, and do business in the city. For the latest updates on travel rules and visa forms, always check the official Indian e-visa portal.
By keeping an eye on new developments and using official resources, both tourists and industry professionals can make the most of Kolkata’s growing role as a travel and business hub in South Asia.
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