GTA plans to develop, promote tourism sector in grand way

Darjeeling: The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) has plans to develop the tourism sector in such a way that tourists visiting Darjeeling will extend their stay. Darjeeling needs to reclaim the "Queen of the Hills" saying, feels GTA.

The GTA has plans to promote homestays in Darjeeling and Kalimpong. "Tourists nowadays prefer remote and rural areas. In order to promote such areas, homestays are necessary," stated Binay Tamang, Chairman, Board of Administrators, GTA. Tamang was speaking to media persons on the sidelines of the World Tourism Day commemorations in Darjeeling on Thursday.

The state government had earlier promoted Lamahatta as one such destination. "The GTA is also promoting new destinations in order to attract tourists to the Hills. Homestays have come up in good numbers in such destinations. As per a preliminary survey, there are 1,476 homestays in the Hills," stated Tamang.

The government has plans to regularise homestays and divide them into "A," "B," "C" and "D" categories. "We have already corresponded with the state government on this issue. We will have a joint meeting to facilitate the categorisation of the homestays very soon," added Tamang. Emphasis is being given on new destinations. "We are developing Naudanra in Kalimpong, Phalut near Sandakphu along with Nokdanra and Megataar in Darjeeling," Tamang further stated.

Tamang also stressed on the need to make hotel and homestay tariffs uniform along with taxi fares. "Hotels and taxis should not overcharge during peak seasons," added Tamang.

Amar Rai, MLA, Darjeeling stressed on the need to diversify. "We have to broaden our horizon and diversify. We have to offer heritage tourism, cultural tourism, cemetery tourism, tea tourism, village tourism and eco-tourism. These concepts have to percolate down to all levels. Darjeeling is a heritage site. She has a rich local and global history to offer," added Rai.

World Tourism Day was organised by Himalayan Homestay Owners Association in Darjeeling, Kurseong and Mirik on Thursday.

In Darjeeling, tourists were offered Khadas (traditional scarves) and welcomed with Darjeeling Tea at the Railway Station. A bicycle rally was also flagged off from Chowrasta. Tourists were also accorded with a grand welcome in Kurseong and Mirik.

"It was a beautiful experience to be offered Khadas and Darjeeling Tea. We thoroughly enjoyed it. We are enjoying every bit of Darjeeling and hope to visit again," stated Martin, a tourist from Texas, USA.

World Tourism Day Festival 2018 is being organised by Association for Conservation and Tourism (ACT) on September 28, 29 and 30 at City Centre, Siliguri.

"This year, the theme of World Tourism Day celebration is heritage, culture and organic movement through responsible tourism," stated an ACT member.