Durga Puja set to bring 17k foreign tourists to city

Kolkata is expecting a record number of foreign visitors during the Durga Puja festival, following its inclusion in UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list. The state government has estimated that at least 17,000 foreigners will participate in the festivities, with the tourism industry being prepared to host half a million visitors. Last year, Kolkata hosted nearly 12,000 foreign visitors during Durga Puja, and this year, a 40% increase is expected. The visitors are predominantly from the US, Australia, and European nations, and include NRIs and Bangladeshi nationals. The ongoing T20 World Cup has also contributed to the rush in bookings.