Kalimpong District level homestay owners forms tourism welfare society

The committee has highlighted that leasing of homestays by outsiders has been destroying the original concept of homestays, which is to be controlled

KalimNews, Kalimpong, To develop and uplift the rural tourism, eco- tourism and adventure tourism of Kalimpong district and control undesired and unwarranted things a district level committee is organized by the stakeholders of homestays, allied hotel owners and other related and interested agencies. 

In a meeting held today in Gorubathan, a district level committee by the name Kalimpong District Tourism Welfare Society (KDTWS) is formed. 

The office-bearers of the newly constituted KDTWS committee are Rajeeb Sahi- president, Bijay Thapa- vice president, Dr Norden Michael Lepcha- general secretary, Puran Rai- assistant secretary, Sunil Mukhia- treasurer, Avikesh Aron Pradhan- assistant treasurer, Adv Sudash Rai- legal advisor and Dr Pawan Thapa- media chief.

Homestays has economically benefitted the homestay owners and various stakeholders related to it including the vegetable and food growers and transport providers providing employment to many.  

Newly elected KDTWS general secretary Norden M Lepcha addressing the press conference stated that rural homestay is very popular among the tourists and Kalimpong district has recorded the highest number of government registered homestays numbering more than one thousand and located in the villages and hidden hamlets of remote areas most of them mushroomed within last five years. The committee has highlighted that leasing of homestays by outsiders has been destroying the original concept of homestays, which is to be controlled”. 

He said, “there are also some infrastructural difficulties faced by the homestay owners which too will be brought to the attention of the government and related departments.” 

“This committee is a nonpolitical one and will remain as a self reliant committee and will work for the welfare of the homestays”, Lepcha added.