Tourism map plan for north

TT, Siliguri, Nov. 24:The state tourism department would prepare a digital travel map for the region in consultation with the north Bengal development department and the GTA and start a centralised tourist information centre in Siliguri, tourism minister Krishnendu Choudhury said yesterday.

The minister, who was here yesterday, said: “We have decided to prepare a tourism map and will consult with the north Bengal development department and authorities of the GTA. The tourism department will also hold talks with senior officials of the Siliguri metropolitan police so that new facilities can be developed in and around Siliguri for tourists.”

Choudhury added that his ministry has “decided to create wayside amenities on routes leading to the hills and the Dooars so that tourists can refresh themselves and take rest for some time during their journey”.

“We are focusing on homestay tourism and want more such accommodations to come up so that tourists can stay in the new destinations mushrooming in north Bengal,” he said.

About the information centre in Siliguri, he said: “Siliguri is the principal entry point for tourists visiting north Bengal. We will open a tourist information centre which would be manned by competent representatives to guide tourists. All relevant information, from accommodation to transport to points of attraction, would be available from the centre.”

Sitting in a tourist lodge in Siliguri, the minister also mentioned that in the proposed tourist taxis, permits for which would be shortly issued by state transport department, details such as helpline numbers and URL of the state tourism department’s website would be provided.

“We have heard about the complaints from tourists that a section of transporters and taxi drivers overcharges them. To discourage this trend, the state will fix rates of vehicles for different destinations, for sightseeing trips and likewise, so that uniformity is maintained. Each vehicle will have our telephone numbers and URL of our website so that tourists can call us any time and seek help,” Choudhury said.

“Our department is also refurbishing the website and putting a host of details in it. Tourists, ahead of their trips or during their visit, can reserve their accommodations through our website,” he said.

Right now, the West Bengal Tourism website, www.westbengaltourism.gov.in www.westbengaltourism.gov.in, has a map of Bengal with a key and some tourist attractions marked in symbols.

Tourism industry stakeholders welcomed the steps the minister announced.

“The minister is very clear of his intentions to improve tourism infrastructure and open new facilities for tourists. Such meetings are effective as it helps us to interact and exchange ideas on a regular basis with the government for improving the industry which provides huge employment in north Bengal,” said Samrat Sanyal, representing East Wind Holidays.

“However, another aspect that needs to be taken care of by the state is the condition of roads in north Bengal. Most of the roads require immediate repairs,” he added.