The Contribution of Hotels for Promotion of Heritage Tourism in West Bengal – A Study on Selected Hotels in Murshidabad City

Tourism is a dynamic social and economic phenomenon that has rapidly emerged as one of the world's largest and most swiftly expanding industries.Its impact is particularly notable in terms of job creation and income redistribution, thanks to its significant multiplier effect.Additionally, tourism's extensive backward and forward linkages make it a powerful driver of economic development.The success of tourism often hinges on the availability and quality of accommodations, such as hotels, home-stays, and palace hotels, which play a crucial role in shaping the tourism experience.In West Bengal, a state with untapped tourism potential, heritage tourism presents a promising avenue for addressing socio-economic challenges.Recent efforts have been made to promote heritage tourism in the region, highlighting its importance.This paper explores the characteristics of select hotels in Murshidabad, a city renowned for its historical significance.It evaluates how well these hotels cater to the needs of both international and domestic tourists who visit for the city's heritage attractions.The study examines the products offered, marketing strategies employed, and the quality of services provided.A key focus is on identifying the existing deficiencies within these hotels and recommending measures to align supply with the potential demand.The paper's contribution lies in proposing a strategic framework to address these deficiencies, explore untapped potential, and enhance service conditions.By doing so, it aims to enable hotels to play a more proactive role in advancing the tourism industry in West Bengal.