KOLKATA: Tourists thronged Darjeeling and other hill stations in the last week of 2020 and first week of the
new year, taking occupancy of
homestays and hotels to a record high since August, when restrictions due to the pandemic were withdrawn. Demand for homestays outstripped reservation for hotel rooms as
families and groups opted for exclusive accommodations, avoiding intermingling with other tourists.
"I ushered in the New Year in
Mirik because we did not get any accommodation in Darjeeling. Most hotels and homestays were taken for the weekend. On January 1, we visited Darjeeling to find every eatery and hangout point taken over by tourists. It seemed that there was never any pandemic," said Sougata Dey, an IT professional in
New Town.
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It is good to see tourists back and business booming. But all necessary precautions must be taken and all SOPs followed. That will help sustain this boom.
Many families drew confidence from the dipping Covid numbers in the state and decided to breathe in some fresh air. "Since March, we were at home, stepping out only when there was some urgent work. We did not go to a nearby destination on weekends. There was hardly any socialisation. So we desperately needed a break, which is why we decided to visit Darjeeling," said Girish Pachisia, a resident of Bangur Avenue.
"The New Year started on a good note with most homestays in Darjeeling and its neighbourhood remaining packed with tourists," said Prasant Pradhan, general secretary of the Himalayan Homestay Owners' Association. There are close to 800 homestays in and around Darjeeling.
"The pandemic had hit the tourism industry in the hills and homestays suffered the most because it is run by families who are dependent on tourists. Even after restrictions were lifted in August, there were hardly any tourists. We are expecting much better business this year," said Pradhan.
Even hotels cashed in on the craze. Most hotels registered more than 70% occupancy. "We started receiving inquiries since the end of November. Most people were concerned about safety measures. We assured them we were following all protocols," said Daya Narayan Banerjee, manager of Broadway Hotel.