The National Tourism Committee of The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCC&I), in association with Balmer Lawrie’s Vacations Exotica, organized a unique B2B networking opportunity, Durga Darshan, on 31st August 2024 at the YMCA Central, Mumbai, 5:00 PM, offering stakeholders from the tourism industry an exclusive platform to promote and explore tourism in West Bengal and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The primary aim was to foster business collaborations and create avenues for stakeholders to offer unique travel packages to domestic and international tourists during the grand Durga Puja festival.

The programme commenced with the Welcome Address by Ms. Sukanya Bose, Director, BCC&I; followed by special addresses from Ms Ruhi Singh, Chief Manager, Balmer Lawrie & Co. Ltd; Mr.Shirish Nair, Sr.Manager - Corporate Sales, Mumbai, IndiGo; Mr P Vijayan, Paradise Tours Andaman and address by Guest of Honour Mr Vishvajeet Patil, President, Maharashtra Tour Organisers Association. After that, a joint presentation on Durga Darshan was given by Ms Sukanya Bose, Director, BCC&I, and Mr Surajit Basu, Manager, Balmer Lawrie & Co Ltd.

The focus of Durga Darshan was to bring together industry leaders, tour operators, hospitality providers, and key travel associations to network and curate innovative travel experiences in West Bengal’s cultural hotspots and the serene landscapes of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Key highlights included specialized packages to iconic Durga Puja pandals and Raj Bari/Bonedi Bari Pujas, along with extended tours to prominent destinations like Shantiniketan and the Sunderbans etc.

This B2B meet provided a vibrant platform for connecting stakeholders from both states and crafting tourism opportunities that could enhance both local economies and offer travelers unforgettable experiences.

Supported by major industry partners, including Indigo Airlines (Official Airline Partner), Pride Plaza Hotel (Supporting Partner), Maharashtra Tour Organizers’ Association (MTOA), and Paradise Andaman Tourism, the initiative attracted professionals eager to capitalize on the upcoming festive season in Bengal, particularly Durga Puja. The meet was attended by senior Industry Stakeholders.