In a move aimed at turning big-screen fantasies into affordable realities, the West Bengal government has announced plans to host destination weddings at select state-run tourist resorts, targeting middle-class families who often find luxury venues beyond their reach.
From the mist-laden hills of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Kurseong to the windswept shores of Digha and the rugged terrain of Purulia, the state’s tourism department is preparing to transform its properties into picturesque wedding venues. Around 40 resorts under the West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation Limited (WBTDCL) are set to undergo infrastructure upgrades to support the initiative.
The plan was unveiled by Varun Roy, Additional Principal Secretary of the state tourism department, at a stakeholders’ conference titled “Shaping the Future of Tourism in West Bengal.” He emphasised that robust infrastructure would be the backbone of the destination wedding push, with modern banquet halls, dedicated honeymoon suites and upgraded luxury rooms being developed across selected locations.
The department aims to have the resorts wedding-ready by the next winter season, traditionally the peak period for Bengali marriages.
Officials said the initiative has been crafted with affordability in mind. Pricing structures will be designed to remain within the financial reach of middle-class households, positioning these venues as budget-friendly alternatives to private resorts and luxury hotels.
“Weddings are no longer just social ceremonies. They have become full-fledged events,” said a hotelier present at the conference, noting that conducting all rituals under one roof significantly reduces logistical strain on families.
State Tourism Minister Indranil Sen called on private stakeholders to collaborate in the venture, assuring them of administrative support and a consultative approach in shaping future tourism policies. At the event, Debjit Dutta, chairman of the West Bengal chapter of the Indian Association of Tour Operators, proposed the formation of a ‘West Bengal Tourism Promotion Board’ with a 2030 vision, arguing that evolving traveller preferences demand a dedicated strategic body.
Alongside the wedding initiative, the conference also spotlighted the state’s untapped potential in adventure tourism. Jamling Tenzing Norgay, chairman of the Adventure Tourism Sub-Committee, urged the creation of specialised training centres to produce skilled instructors, stressing that safety must remain paramount in high-adrenaline activities such as trekking, river rafting and paragliding.
Officials said the state would initially focus on low-risk pursuits such as hiking, trekking and hot air balloon rides. Existing facilities at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Salt Lake Stadium will be utilised, with plans for stronger infrastructure in the future.
With scenic backdrops, budget-conscious pricing and upgraded facilities, the state hopes to turn its tourist hubs into sought-after wedding destinations, bringing the allure of a “dream wedding” within reach of ordinary families.
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