Digha hoteliers, traders expect business boost

Digha

Hoteliers and small traders in Digha, West Bengal, are optimistic that the newly inaugurated Jagannath temple will transform the town from a popular sea resort into a major international pilgrimage hub, giving the local economy a significant boost. The temple, modeled after the famous 12th-century Puri shrine, was unveiled by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on the occasion of ‘Akshay Tritiya.’

Digha, along with nearby beaches like Mandarmani and Sankarpur in Purba Medinipur district, attracts a large number of tourists, especially on weekends. The addition of the temple is expected to increase tourism further. Bipradas Chatterjee, secretary of the Digha Shankarpur Hoteliers Association, shared that while business slowed during the Covid pandemic, tourism is now recovering. The association predicts that the temple will bring in even more visitors, with a three-fold increase in foot traffic expected.

The peak season of May and June usually sees 70 to 80 lakh tourists, accounting for 80% of their annual business. Chatterjee anticipates a 10-15% increase in business due to the temple’s opening. Local businesses are also hopeful of a boost, with Shantunu Barik, a senior hotel official, noting that the temple could bring tourists year-round.

Dipankar Shin, representing local hawkers, expressed hope for more opportunities for small traders. The project, which cost around Rs 250 crore, has made Digha an even more attractive tourist destination.