After the signing of the Gorkha Territorial Administration Tourists return to peaceful hills, Darjeeling gears up

After nearly four years of strife, the Darjeeling hills are looking forward to a booming tourist season this winter.
After the signing of the Gorkha Territorial Administration treaty on July 18, the political turmoil seems to have ceased. As a result, tourists have been flocking to the hill station.
In the past few years, hotels in Darjeeling recorded dismal occupancy rates. Now hotels say they are full to the brim.
The famous Toy Train of Darjeeling, which used to make two trips a day, is now making eight trips to cater to rising demand from tourists. The fare from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling has almost doubled, even after damage caused by the earthquake.
“For the last three and half years, hotel occupancy has been 60-65 per cent of capacity. Now there is 100 per cent occupancy and bookings for 5-6 per cent additional rooms,” said Raj Basu, chairman of Eastern Himalayan Travel and Tours Operating Association. 


The good news applies not only to Darjeeling town, but also villages. Foreign tourists are flocking to lesser known destinations under a home stay package. Tour operators say that more than 40 villages have become tourist hotspots. Minister for North Bengal Development Gautam Deb said the government would ensure basic facilities like water supply are available there.
The government and travel agencies are also looking to use tea estates for tourism. “We have spoken to tea garden members and are ready to issue licences if the tea estates agree,” Deb told The Indian Express.  


During her visit to the region, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a master plan for tourism development. The bounty included Rs 10 crore for beautification of Darjeeling Mall and renovation of Planters’ Club, Gymkhana Club and the church as well as a tea festival from December 20 to January 5.
However, the tourist boom is not without problems. “Tourists are increasing but infrastructure remains the same. Look at the condition of roads. Drinking water is still a problem,” said Roshan Giri, Gorkha Janmukti Morcha general secretary.
Tourists also complain of public transport problems. “Darjeeling is a very beautiful tourist destination, but transport is a problem. There is no fixed rate by the government and private vehicles charge by their whims and fancies,” said Anshuman Roy, a tourist from Kolkata.