MoU with Bhutan for cross-border tourism from north Bengal

PRASHANT ACHARYA, EOI, SILIGURI, SEPTEMBER 18, 2023 : The Chukha district administration invited the Association of Conservation and Tourism to Bhutan between September 13 and 18 to encourage the development of ecotourism and community based tourism.

A three-member team of ACT comprising Raj Basu, R.K. Anil and Debapratim Saha who visited Bhutan interacted with Bhutan Birdlife Society and Entrepreneurs of Chukha, two community-based organizations and finalized an MoU for exchange of experts and cross-learning. 

The Chukha district of Bhutan bordering north Bengal shares the Torsa and Raidak river valleys with the Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar and Alipurduar districts. The effort will help in promoting Indo-Bhutan people-to-people relation through tourism.

District Economic Development and Marketing Officer of Chukha Sangay Thinley shared the keen interest of the district authorities to get more guests by linking with travel companies across the border and by encouraging cross-border itinerary. 

Camps have been set up in Bhutan in places like Jigmechu. A cycling trail has been developed towards Phaktshoding Lake inGedu, some 40 kms from Phuentsholing.