DARJEELING, March 8. - After a lull of
nearly three years, post 9/11, Darjeeling is, for the first
time, seeing a major influx of foreign tourists, promising
a fillip to the local economy.
Trade insiders and officials say that it
is part of a national phenomenon, where improved Indo-Pak
relations have encouraged more international visitors to come
to the country. ...This, against the downward spiral in the
country caused by the 9/11-triggered meltdown in the number
of international flyers and the near-war situation between
India and Pakistan following the attack on the Indian Parliament
in December 2001.
But for international tourism in Darjeeling, a regional factor
has also got to be considered - the Maoist tumult in Nepal.
With the Himalayan belt comprising Nepal, Darjeeling, Sikkim
and Bhutan being sold as a single package, the trouble in
Nepal meant many travellers to the region scrapping their
travel plans altogether.
However, a change in consumer perception of the above package
has now been successfully affected. According to Mr Saom Namchu,
joint secretary, Darjeeling Association and Travel Agents,
travellers considered the whole region to be disturbed, as
it was sold as a single package. But now they have realised
- with some good marketing by top national travel agents -
that Darjeeling, Sikkim and Bhutan could form an independent
itinerary.
`In fact, even travel agents in Kathmandu
have now begun to sell packages with Delhi and Kolkata as
a port of entry against the choice of Nepal. The former did
not do this before because it meant less profit margins.
`But they have no option now,` noted Mr Namchu. In other words,
although the trouble in Nepal may be unfortunate, the spin-off
for Darjeeling has been positive. More tourists are coming
here because they don't see Nepal as a safe destination any
more.
While many local agents dealing with foreign tourists here
proudly boast of a packed calendar year, the hoteliers too
are a sanguine lot. Mr Dinesh Sharma, general manager, Central
Hotel, of the ITC Welcomgroup, said: `This is the first time
we are seeing so many foreign tourists in the town after three
years. We already have six foreign groups booked for. ` Another
major top-end hotel in the town has nearly 30 groups coming
in. There will also be a lot of backpackers, noted Mr Sharma.
Although exact figures are not available yet, Mr D Pariyar,
assistant director, tourism, Darjeeling Gorkha Autonomous
Hill Council, said that the council was happy with the turn
of events. `We are trying our best to keep our information
offices well-stocked with brochures and other literature,`
he said. He said that the council would set up a touch-screen
information kiosk at the Bagdogra airport very soon.
Courtesy
The Telegraph |
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