Tourism network to boost sector

SNS, Siliguri: Stakeholders of the tourism and allied industries in North Bengal and Sikkim have jointly launched the Himalayan hospitality & Tourism Development Network (HHTDN).

As the group was formed on Saturday, it became the very first network of its kind in eastern India, while the stakeholders based their decision on the country's 'act east' policy and with a view to developing a national-level hospitality and tourism network.

State tourism minister Gautam Deb, who was present at a function organised to launch the group, encouraged all stakeholders to move forward with such a network by focusing on West Bengal and Northeast India. Leaders of the HHTDN, meanwhile, said they plan to extend their working area gradually, while also taking up tourism-related projects with neighbouring countries like Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh

Summit Milestone Hotel on Sevoke Road in Siliguri played a key role in readying such a network and hosted the meeting on its premises on 6 October. Over 75 members associated with the hospitality, tourism, and allied industries in North Bengal and Sikkim also prepared priority-wise proposals for inclusion in their network.

Addressing the HHTDN's launching ceremony at Summit Milestone on Saturday last, Minister Deb said: "The state government plays an important role as a facilitator. Our government has taken so many steps and formulated policies to create a tourist friendly atmosphere so that travellers can experience a beautiful Bengal."  

"Our chief minister Mamata Banerjee is keen to see Bengal emerge in the tourism sector and try to make good relations with neighboring states in the northeast, especially Sikkim, for the development of the tourism industry," he added.

Members meanwhile plan to achieve their goals by extending the seasons and themes so as to double the tourist flow in the region. They also adopted a resolution to take initiatives to declare tourism as an "Emergency Service' and keep it out of the purview of bandhs and strikes.

The network has also decided to help governments in policy implementation by organizing tourism events and promotion of the region by keeping in mind North Bengal and Sikkim as a collaboration model.

"If the collaboration model succeeds,then the network will be extended to northeastern states and finally the rest of Hindu Kush-Himalayan Landscape," an HHTDN resolution said.

An expert in the tourism industry, Raj Basu, pointed out to the 'dedicated network' on safety, security and 'Rescue in Emergency' for every tourist in case of any eventuality.

Another veteran and pioneer tour operator, KK Gurung, who completed 50 years in the tourism industry and introduced a system of booking seats for Land Rovers to visit Tiger Hills in Darjeeling, appreciated the initiative.

Another Darjeeling-based pioneer in the industry, Suresh Periwal, a recipient of the Hall of Fame, a national award in tourism, also appreciated the decision to form the HHTDN. The HHTDN has framed a 16-point plan of action by involving the government in the network.

Head of several associations and organizations, including NGOs from north Bengal and Sikkim and even from Kolkata attended the assembly.

Some stakeholders and members of NGOs and Home Stays pointed out to the present problems, including sanitation issues, exorbitant car fares" at some important places like the NJP railway station.

Another stakeholder associated with Home Stays in the Hills, said there was confusion on the state government's policy on Home Stays as it has started their registration by distributing specified forms.