GTA plans new tourism activities in Darjeeling, Kalimpong to generate more revenue

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EOI, DARJEELING, JANUARY 28, 2024 : The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration is set to introduce new adventure activities in tourist destinations, decentralize tourism and build alternative routes to decongest the traffic in Darjeeling town. These are among the many proposals to attract tourist to the hills. 

On Sunday the tourism department of the GTA began a two-day Darjeeling Tea, Tourism and Cultural Festival at Chowrasta. A similar event will also be organized on January 30 and 31 in Kalimpong. 

"The DTTCF is our calendar event. Earlier, the festival was centered in Darjeeling. However, from this year on, we will organize a similar event in Kalimpong. We will include other areas of the hills in phases," said the GTA Tourism Department Sabhasad Norden Sherpa on Sunday. 

Darjeeling and Kalimpong are prime destinations for tourism activities in the hills and attract tourist all year round. 

However, complaints have started cropping up, highlighting the lack of facilities available and new activities in outdated destinations. This is discouraging tourists from extending their stay in the hills. 

The Sabhasad admitted of the shortcomings and said efforts were being made by the GTA to introduce activities for tourists. "We have identified places to develop as tourist spots in Darjeeling and Kalimpong. We will be introducing adventure activities in old destinations in Darjeeling and Kalimpong. 

We have already prepared the detailed project report and are awaiting government approval to start work," said Sherpa. 

Come tourist season and the hill traffic comes to a standstill due to the volume of tourists vehicles, especially in the town areas. 

"We will soon start the 17 km alternative route from Lebong to Rangaroon and the 3rd Mile. This route will facilitate the movement of traffic to places like Takdah, Teesta Valley, Kalimpong and Sikkim. At the moment vehicles move towards Kalimpong, Sikkim and Darjeeling from the Ghoom route. With the alternative route the traffic to Darjeeling town will be eased," said the Sabhasad. 

During peak seasons, the hills receive a footfall of more than 800,000 visitors. Still, tourism is restricted by the lack of proper upgrades and development of the region. 

"Tourism is the backbone of our economy. The GTA has not been able to generate revenue properly over the years. Our endeavor is to strengthen the tourism sector which will inevitably benefit the people," said Sherpa. 

The two festivals would display and showcase the tradition, culture, attire and cuisine of the hill region, besides cultural song and dance performance by local artist