WBTDC was set up in April, 1974, with a view to develop tourism in West Bengal. The Corporation is now running 26 tourist lodges (961 Beds) situated at different places of West Bengal. The Corporation is now running a luxury vessel having 44 berth capacity named "M.V. Chitralekha" and another having almost same capacity named "M.V. Sarvayaya". The Corporation has also started inter-state and intra-state conducted tours for the budget tourists. Apart from the above, the Corporation has identified few tourist spots in the State and has been trying to develop the same spots as a promotional venture, with special emphasis on Sunderban area.