Government to set up tourism kiosks

TT, Siliguri: A tourist visiting Bengal and disembarking a train at the New Jalpaiguri station in the north or de-boarding a bus in Digha in the south will soon find a helpdesk of the state tourism department to assist him with information necessary during his tour.

The department has decided to set up as many as 49 helpdesks or kiosks, which would come up at different locations, right from the prominent tourist destinations to important transit points.

"At many places, tourists often face inconvenience in getting information about accommodation, transport and tourist sights of attraction. They will have to bank on cab drivers or local residents. That is why it has been decided to set up kiosks to ensure that they get relevant information that can make their trip more enjoyable, whether in Darjeeling or Digha," said a source in the tourism department.

The kiosks, sources said, will have a reception, a sitting area and a small pavilion.

"Each kiosk will be decorated in such a manner that any tourist stepping in can have an idea of the local culture and cuisine. There will be competent people posted in the reception desks who will help the tourists," added the source.

The kiosks will come up at important railway stations like Howrah, Calcutta, Sealdah, New Cooch Behar and New Alipurduar and in places like the Strand at Chandernagore, Gandhi Ghat in Barrackpore and near Chowrasta in Darjeeling.

"A number of bus stands have also been selected as tourists take buses to reach many destinations of our state," an official said.

He pointed that the kiosks can also help in promotion of lesser known destinations.

"During their visit, tourists can learn about new places and attractions which have come up near a prominent destination. Many tourists visiting north Bengal hardly have idea of the homestay accommodations which have come up in idyllic locations at the hills," added the official.