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KalimNews, Kalimpong, July 19, 2025 : In a historic step towards transforming Kalimpong into a digitally accessible and globally connected travel destination, the Kalimpong District Tourism Welfare Society (KDTWS) launched a comprehensive tourism website (kalimpongtourism.org) today. This marks the first time such a multifaceted online platform has been introduced in the region, offering a wide range of services tailored to tourists from across the globe.
The launch event took place this afternoon at AAPAS Residency in Kalimpong town and was graced by Kalimpong District Magistrate Balasubramanian T and Kalimpong MLA Ruden Sada Lepcha, who officially unveiled the website. They were joined by notable dignitaries including GTA Adventure Tourism Director Dr. Dawa Gyalpo Sherpa, Gorubathan Panchayat Samiti Sabhapati Surjamani Rai, and Kalimpong District Tourism Officer-in-Charge Pritam Limbu.
The newly launched website stands out as a business-to-consumer (B2C) platform, featuring detailed listings of registered homestays, farmstays, and resorts. It also highlights upcoming local events, community-led entrepreneurship initiatives, adventure tourism options, voluntourism opportunities, transportation services including taxis and travel agencies, and more — all integrated into a user-friendly menu designed to assist and attract both domestic and international visitors.
During the ceremony, District Magistrate Balasubramanian T emphasized the crucial role of sustainable tourism in enhancing local livelihoods and preserving Kalimpong’s ecological and cultural richness. MLA Ruden Sada Lepcha spoke about the platform’s potential to bridge the gap between local service providers and tourists, fostering economic inclusivity by connecting residents directly with visitors.
Dr. Dawa Gyalpo Sherpa, representing the GTA, praised the region’s untapped adventure tourism potential and extended full support from his department to the initiative. Gorubathan Sabhapati Surjamani Rai highlighted the economic opportunities agro-tourism could bring to rural households, while Tourism Officer Pritam Limbu drew attention to the importance of implementing efficient waste management practices as tourism infrastructure expands.
An important segment of the event was an interactive session between the District Magistrate and local tourism stakeholders. This discussion addressed several on-ground challenges including the registration of homestays, especially those located in cinchona and tea plantation zones, commercial categorization of electricity and LPG connections for homestays, as well as infrastructural concerns such as road connectivity. The session proved to be constructive and forward-looking, fostering a cooperative approach to overcoming bottlenecks in the local tourism ecosystem.
The programme was conducted smoothly under the stewardship of Dr. Norden Michael Lepcha, General Secretary of KDTWS. The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by KDTWS President Rajeeb Sahee, who expressed deep gratitude to all dignitaries, stakeholders, and participants for their valuable presence and support.
A press statement issued by Dr. Pawan Thapa, Media Chief of KDTWS, remarked that the presence of the members and active role in the programme was not only notable but instrumental in advancing Kalimpong’s tourism objectives.
The launch of this website signifies a progressive step in Kalimpong’s journey toward sustainable and inclusive tourism, with hopes that this digital platform will serve as a vital link connecting the world to the unique beauty and culture of the region.
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