Kolkata: The state tourism department will soon launch ‘Kolkata Key’, a mobile application that will enable its users to learn about the prominent tourist attractions and transport facilities available in the city.Tourism department officials said the mobile application will provide verified travel related information on prominent tourist destinations in the city. “It will contain details on significant tourist attractions and heritage destinations. We will try to highlight the history of Bengal’s kings and emperors. We will also take measures to develop tourism spots highlighted in the mobile application,” officials said.Officials said the app would have a detailed statewide data on verified tour operators, hoteliers, transport providers and homestays. “It will also serve as an official guide to travellers, who want to explore the various heritage sites in the region,” said an official.Officials said a QR code will also be uploaded on the tourism department website. After scanning this code, users will be able to get information on popular tourist destinations. “The process to set up a digital map for all districts is underway,” officials said. The authorities are also planning to roll out a “Palace of Wheels,” covering the heritage tourism circuit. The tourism department recently signed an MOU with Archaeological Survey of India to restore and renovate 135 heritage monuments and sites across the state, including landscaping, pathways, toilets, drinking water, parking, CCTV surveillance, audio guides and souvenir shops at selected places.According to the officials, the authorities would prepare project proposals and development plans. They also mentioned that ASI would provide oversight to ensure that all interventions comply with Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. ASI would also safeguard the heritage features of the monuments even while undertaking the renovation and restoration of the heritage architecture and sites.Tourism minister Shankar Ghosh recently said Pravasi Bharatiya Divas would be held on Jan 7, 8 and 9 next year, where the state govt would participate to highlight the culture, heritage and culinary history of the state.BoxWhat – Tourism department is to soon introduce a mobile application to be named “Kolkata Key”Purpose — Tourists will be able to know about the prominent tourist spots of the city and to access transport facilities for easy navigation in the city.*There will also be a QR code on the tourism department website where tourists will be able to scan to get all details on popular tourist spotsThe tourism department is setting up a digital map for all districts.
