Alipurduar 24x7 helpdesk for tourists

Dooars Kanya, the district collectorate where the helpdesk will be opened. File picture

TT, Aug 18, 2018, Alipurduar: Tourists travelling to Alipurduar during the coming Durga Puja season can visit Dooars Kanya, the district collectorate here, to obtain information about destinations.

The administration, sources said, will soon open a helpdesk for tourists at the building that will function on a permanent basis. So far, helpdesks were opened during tourist seasons on temporary basis by the tourism department in association with local stakeholders at the transit points, like the New Alipurduar and Alipurduar Junction stations.

"A tourism helpdesk will be opened on the ground flood of Dooars Kanya in the next few days. Here, tourists will get information regarding accommodations, tourist spots, distance, mode of communication and other details. We will also upload the information on the district's official website with contact numbers of persons, who would be there at the desk," said Richard Lepcha, the administrative officer deputed to look after tourism in Alipurduar.

He also said to prevent overcharging by transporters, a fare chart of vehicles would be provided to tourists. They can also get contacts of tour operators which can help them plan a trip.

"The helpdesk will also work to redress grievances and complaints of tourists," added the official.

Source said as the forests would open for tourists on September 15 - after three months of closure - the administration had plans to open the desk ahead of the date.

In Alipurduar, tourists usually visit Buxa Tiger Reserve, Jaldapara National Park and in Chilapata Forest.

"At the desk, we will highlight some other new destinations which have come up in the district," said Lepcha.

The decision has been welcomed by stakeholders of tourism industry in Alipurduar.