West Bengal's New Tourism Logo Sparks Backlash Amid Ambitious Revamp

West Bengal’s bid to rebrand its tourism identity hit a snag just a day after launch, as the new logo—meant to symbolize renewal—faced a firestorm of criticism online. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari unveiled the design on September 4, 2026, pitching it as part of a broader effort to draw visitors back to a state he says has lagged behind rivals.

A Vision for Revival

Speaking at Kolkata’s Dhono Dhanyo auditorium, Adhikari didn’t hold back. He argued that West Bengal’s tourism infrastructure had been neglected for 15 years, driving travelers toward other states. His government, he said, is determined to change that. With half a billion rupees now earmarked for the sector, the plan includes revamping guesthouses, improving transport, and even introducing new boats for river tourism from Babughat to Gangasagar.

Logo Misses the Mark

But the new branding—meant to accompany the tagline “West Bengal – Where India feels different”—quickly became the story. Almost immediately, social media users called the design amateurish and questioned why the promotional video featured scenes from Moscow, Egypt, and Rio de Janeiro instead of local landmarks.

“Why should scenes from Moscow, Egypt and Rio de Janiero feature in a video on West Bengal? This video does disservice to the achievements of the BJP government of West Bengal,” former Tripura Governor Tathagata Roy posted online.

Trinamool Congress MP Derek O’Brien was even blunter, summing up the reaction in one word: “TRASH.”

Looking Ahead

Despite the rocky start, the government insists it’s pressing forward. Adhikari emphasized collaboration with the central government and a commitment to planting mangroves in the Sundarbans. Whether the public outcry leads to a redesign remains unclear, but one thing is certain: all eyes are now on how West Bengal’s tourism revival unfolds.