TOURISMOS: AN INTERNATIONAL MULTIDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL OF TOURISM

Volume 6, Number 1, Spring 2011, pp. 251-270

UDC: 338.48+640(050)

ECOTOURISM AND ITS IMPACT ON THE REGIONAL

ECONOMY – A STUDY OF NORTH BENGAL (INDIA)
1
Madhusudan Karmakar
Maynaguri College

Ecotourism, the nature based travel with emphasis on education, management,

development of sustainable tourism product and activity and wellbeing of the
local people is not simply a marginal activity to finance protection of the
environment but it has proved to be an engine of growth in many economies of
the world. Eco tourism has been recognized as the backbone of economies of
many countries. North Bengal being the northern territory of West Bengal of
India is fortunate for its rich ecotourism destinations. The present paper will
explore the ecotourism landscape of this tract of India. It will also reflect an
overview of its impact on the regional economy with six case studies. The paper
will be concluded with some problems and management strategies of ecotourism
activity of the area.

Keywords: present status, resource bases, regional impact, problems,

management strategies

JEL Classification: L83, M1, O1

INTRODUCTION

Tourism is often seen as having great potential in developing

countries which have substantial natural resources to attract tourists. It has
been used as a strategy to promote regional development in both rural and
urban areas and thus tourism has been recognized as an industry. The
building of a tourism cluster in developing economies can be a positive
force in improving outlying infrastructure and dispersing economic
activity (Amposta, 2009). This happens so that the tourism clusters invite
foreign exchange earnings, generates employment and income in
accommodation and transport sector and souvenir industry and accelerates
the development of infrastructure (Richins & Scarinci, 2009). For this
reason tourism continues to be a favoured regional development tool for
many governments around the world (Gronau & Kaufmann, 2009; Brida

© University of the Aegean. Print ISSN: 1790-8418, Online ISSN: 1792-6521

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et al., 2010; Dodds & Buttler, 2010). Thus ecotourism can be a means of
obtaining economic development in many areas. India is fortunate for its
rich ecotourism destinations. North Bengal, the northern territory of West
Bengal is one of these. However the present paper first provides the
present status of ecotourism activity of North Bengal. Then it proceeds to
summarize a critical account of the impact of ecotourism activity on the
regional economy of the area. Finally it outlines some problems of
ecotourism activity of the area and reflects management strategies and
actions for the promotion of the ecotourism activity.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PRESENT STUDY

The present paper embraces the following objectives

• To explore the status of ecotourism of North Bengal.
• To analyse the economic impacts of ecotourism on the study
area.
• To suggest to policy makers, planners and academics that
economically backward regions can be developed through the
promotion of ecotourism.
• To present the tourism scenario of the North Bengal region in the
world tourism map

DATA BASE AND METHODOLOGY

The present study is mostly based on primary data generated through

author’s field survey and direct contact with tourists and common people
of the region. The sites for collecting data were Lataguri, Kunjanagar,
Rasikbeel, Mongpong, Lava, Kulik, Tekunia and Rasomati beel of North
Bengal. These field surveys were conducted in a systematic and phased
manner. In the first phase for the present study the secondary data were
collected from different sources like Divisional Forest Officer, Koch
Bihar( 2008), Kunjnagar Eco-development Society(2008), Divisional
Forest Officer, Wildlife Division II, Jalpaiguri (2008), Secretary, Lava
Hotel Association (2008), Treasurer, Resort Owners’ Association,
Lataguri (2008) and Centre In-Charge, Mongpong Nature Centre(2008)
during the period of October, November and December 2008.
The second phase was related to the collection of primary data. To
collect data on revenue generation, employment opportunities and
infrastructural development schedule surveys were conducted. 150
schedule surveys were carried out among the hotel owners and the local
people at Lataguri during the month of December 2008.

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UDC: 338.48+640(050)

However all these collected primary and secondary information were

later on systematically processed, arranged, tabulated and analyzed to
have a clear view of the ecotourism scenario of North Bengal. The
information collected from primary and secondary sources have been
verified with the field experience.

LOCATION & EXTENT OF THE PRESENT STUDY AREA

The present study area – North Bengal lies in the lap of northern part
of West Bengal, comprising six districts – Darjiling, Jalpaiguri , Koch
Bihar, Uttar Dinajpur, Dakshin Dinajpur and Malda. It extends
approximately from 240 45 / N to 27 0 20 / N latitudinally and from 870
45 / E to 89050 / E longitudinally (Fig-1). The total area of the region is
about 21859 sq. km. “The northern part of North Bengal belongs to Sub
Himalayan Zone while the southern part is built up of debris washed
down from the Himalayan slopes especially through the rivers. Thus
except northern fringe the entire region belongs to plains” (Karmakar
2008:43). The study area is drained by several rivers such as – the Teesta ,
the Torsha, the Jaldhaka , the Raidak, the Sankosh , the Mahananda, the
Punarbhaba, the Atrai, the Kulik etc. The Sankosh river demarcates the
En boundary of North Bengal. All of these rivers flow from the north to
south direction. The climate of the study area is characterized by hot,
humid and heavy rainfall al though in the northern hilly areas a cool
climate prevails. The study area is also enriched with several distinctive
species of fauna and flora. With an agrarian background most of the
people of the region are engaged in primary sector. Due to lack of proper
tertiary activities the number of people engaged in this sector is less.
Thus, North Bengal with its rich natural endowments can provide regional
growth impulses through the promotion of ecotourism activity.

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Figure 1 Study Area – The North Bengal

PRESENT STATUS

The wilderness of virgin forest enriched with different distinctive species

of fauna and flora, panoramic view of the Eastern Himalayan foothills,
undulating landscapes, wavy tea gardens, blooming orchids and rich
cultural heritage resources – all these elements have formed the bases of

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ecotourism of the present study area. In fact this tract of West Bengal is
an ideal destination for ‘one who has been long in city pent’. However
this new form of tourism activity has flourished in some destinations like
Lata guri, Kunjnagar, Jaldapara, Rasikbeel, Rajabhatkhawa and Kulik.
Apart from these places it has also grown sparsely at Rupam Valley,
Mongpong, Rasomati beel, Tekunia , Dakshin Khair bari, Sandakphu,
Kalimpong and in Red Panda Camp of Neora Valley National Park.

Table 1 Profile of tourists in selected ecotourism destinations of

North Bengal
Total no.
Year Kunajnagar Lava Lataguri Rasikbeel Mongpong Kulik of Eco
tourists
2001-02 13854 18903 13576 1738 11560 1189 60820
2002-03 14080 20411 14225 2328 13281 1231 65556
2003-04 14350 20948 16579 1851 15382 1303 70413
2004-05 16065 23104 19791 1251 16530 1376 78117
2005-06 18530 24321 23514 1248 20105 1577 89295
2006-07 17340 25602 27730 1343 15356 1650 89021
2007-08 20121 21567 37631 2089 12209 1756 95373
Percentage
growth rate of
tourist inflow 45.24% 14.09% 177.19% 20.20% 5.61% 47.69% 56.81%
from 2001 to
08

Sources:
Divisional Forest Officer ,Kochbihar( 2008 )
Kunjnagar Eco Development Society(2008)
Divisional Forest Officer, Wildlife Division Ii, Jalpaiguri (2008)
Secretary, Lava Hotel Association (2008)

To have a profile of present status of ecotourism activity intensive

physical surveys have been carried out by the author in different parts of
the region during October- December, 2008. From table 1 it is clear that
different ecotourism areas of North Bengal have been receiving a number
of tourists in different successive years. The overall percentage growth
rate of eco tourist inflow from 2001 to 2008 was 56.81% in North Bengal.
Table 1 also reflects that the percentage growth rate of tourist inflow from
2001 to 08 was 177.19% for Lata guri, which is the highest growth rate
among the ecotourism areas. This tiny hamlet lies in the lap of Gorumara
National Park. This accelerating growth rate of eco tourism activity is not
seen to other ecotourism destinations of North Bengal. It has taken only

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eight years to reach such a growth rate. There are a number of factors,
which have accelerated this speedy growth of ecotourism at Lataguri.
These are-

• Rich bio diversity of the surrounding Gorumara National Park

• Lata guri Nature Interpretation Centre
• Ethnic villages like Saraswati forest village, Budhuram forest
village, Bichabhanga forest village, Chatua forest village etc.
• Coordination between the forest department and the private
entrepreneurs
• Involvement of local people in tourism activities such as
accommodation, transport, cooking, tourist guides, folk dancing
and souvenir industry
However, Kulik ranks second in the percentage growth rate of tourist
inflow i.e, 47.69%. The growth rate of Kunjanagar is 45.24% while it is
14.09% for Lava. The growth rate of Mongpong is only 5.61%. From this
tourist trend it is clear that Lataguri has been very popular ecotourism
centre among ecotourism destinations. Other ecotourism areas are
growing slowly in comparison to Lata guri.

Figure 2 Percentage share of tourists by place of origin in North

Bengal

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A schedule survey was conducted by the author in December 2008.

The survey was administered randomly to 175 respondents at Lata guri,
Kunjanagar, Rasikbeel, Mongpong, Rasomati beel, Tekunia and Kulik.
Field observations show that 80% of the tourists are Bengalee (Fig. 2).
They occupy the lion’s share of the total tourists. About 12% of the
tourists come from different states of our country. The rest 8% belongs to
those tourists who come from different countries of the world i.e. U.K.,
U.S.A., Australia, Germany, Canada, Japan, Netherland,
Belgium, Spain, Sweden, France, Denmark, New Zealand etc.
However, no Kashmiri, Urdu tourists were recorded. The Khasi, Mizo,
Manipuri, Naga, Garo etc. tourists were also absent during the survey.

SPATIAL VARIATIONS OF THE ECOTOURISM AREAS

If we observe the ecotourism destinations of North Bengal it is

evident that these have not been concentrated in a particular area. The
most rich nature tourism area lies in Jalpaiguri district. Lata guri
(Gorumara) and Kunjnagar fall in this area (Fig.3). The Great Indian one
horned Rhinoceros, Indian Elephant,Gaur (Indian Bison), wonderful
avifauna like Hornbill, Nature Interpretation Centre and the ethnic
villages like Saraswati forest village, Budhuram forest village,
Bichabhanga forest village, Chatua forest village etc. are the prime
attractions of Lataguri. Again, the natural surroundings, murmuring of the
Buri Torsha river, the Kunjanagar ecotourism park, ethnic cottages,
observation tower, boating facility- all have laid the foundation of
ecotourism activity at Kunjanagar. The second rich ecotourism area lies in
Darjiling district. Lava and Mongpong are the important ecotourism
centres of this area. Lava has multi-faced personality. The rolling hills,
beautiful oak, pine and fir trees, and flowers – all these elements beckon
tourists here from different states of India and abroad. Again resting on
the immediate foothill the surrounding beauty of Mongpong is also very
attractive. It is the place where Teesta River descends into plains running
from mountainous country. From here one can view the relic of British
Raj- the Coronation Bridge. On the other hand the third ecotourism area
covers the Koch Bihar and Uttar Dinajpur district. Rasik beel and Kulik
bird sanctuary are the two important ecotourism centres of this area. The
Nature Interpretation Centre, birds like little Cormorant, large Egret,
Open bill Stork , lesser adjutant Stork , lesser Pied King fisher, Braminy
Kite, the Fish Aquarium, the Children Park, the Gharial(small sized
Indian crocodile), Animal rescue centre and the Deer Park – all these have
changed the Rasik Beel wetland into an eco tourist resort. The beauty of

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migratory birds, their lifestyle, and the surroundings of the Kulik

sanctuary beckon the tourists.

Figure 3 Existing and potential ecotourism spots of North Bengal

Apart from these Rasomati, Tekunia, Gorubathan, Kalimpong,

Chalsa, Sandakphu, Phallut and Bhutan Ghat are also the rich potential
ecotourism destinations which are sparsely distributed throughout the
North Bengal.

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IMPACT ON THE REGIONAL ECONOMY

“Ecotourism is viewed in many parts of the world as the next wave of

community and regional development”( Hall & Boyd et al 2006 :21).
There is a consensus that one of the special features of ecotourism is its
ability to stimulate economic development therefore empowering local
people through earning income and employment. From that stand point
economic benefit is one of the objectives of using ecotourism as a
development strategy. However the impact of ecotourism on the regional
economy of the present study area can be highlighted in the following
way-
REVENUE GENERATION: Tourism offers the opportunity for a
redistribution of income and employment to regions that are traditionally
lagged behind to the mainstream of economic life. For this reason many
developing countries have, since the 1980’s, turned to ecotourism as a
source of foreign exchange (Cater 1993). North Bengal, the present study
area is no exception of it. The flow of money generated by the tourists in
different ecotourism destinations of North Bengal filters through the
economy stimulating various sectors i.e, accommodation, cuisine,
transportation and entertainments etc. The money spent by the tourists
goes to the local business in a number of ways. This money in turn is
spent on salaries and on meeting the demands of the tourists such as food,
drink, and entertainment etc. “Each time tourist makes expenditure, a
ripple of additional spending is sent through the economy. This ripple is
called a multiplier”(Stephen 1983:171). Thus “the expenditure incurred
by the tourists supports not only the tourist industry directly but indirectly
also supports a number of other related activities which produce goods
and services for the tourist industry”( Singh 1989:263).
To have a glimpse of revenue generation from ecotourism author
carried out field surveys in major ecotourism destinations of North
Bengal during October- December, 2008. The following outcomes have
been gathered from these field surveys--
LATA GURI - THE GREEN GATE WAY OF ECOTOURISM: For
the convenience of the present study at first Lataguri, a tiny hamlet lies
in the lap of Gorumara National Park has been selected. It is necessary to
mention here that this destination ranks first among the ecotourism
destinations of North Bengal for its tourist inflow and other tourism
activities and development of the area within a short period of time. The
rich floral variety; one horned Rhinoceros, Bison, Elephant, Deer and a
variety of avifauna; ethnic diversity; riverine landscape, elephant riding,
etc. have stimulated to develop ecotourism activity in this area.

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From the income generation point of view the area is really very
fortunate because in 2007-08 the total revenue collected from tourists is $
57460 and from other sources there is another $ 18120. Table 2 shows
that prior to 2000 there was no revenue generation at Lataguri because on
that period ecotourism activity was not flourished here. After the
initiation of ecotourism activity revenues begin to accumulate in the area.
This huge amount has been possible only due to promotion of ecotourism
in the area. In fact tourism is more and more promoted as a solution to the
resulting poor socio economic situation ( Townsend, 1997; Hall &
Jenkins, 1998; Jenkins et al., 1998).

TABLE 2 Revenue generation from ecotourism at Lataguri after

2000

Sources of Revenue Before 2000 2007 – 08 ( In

US $ )

Revenue from Nil 57460

Tourists
Nil 10400
Guides
Nil 3780
Folk Artists
Nil 3940
Handicrafts

Source : Author’s Field Survey (2008)

KUNJNAGAR ECOTOURISM PARK: The natural surroundings,

murmuring of the Buri Torsha River, panoramic view of Jaldapara
wildlife sanctuary, the park, ethnic cottages, observation tower, boating
facility- all have laid the foundation of ecotourism activity at Kunjnagar.
Table 3 shows that during the period of 2002-03 the income generation
from ecotourism at Kunjnagar was US $ 16920 and in 2007-08 it
reached to US $ 21720 . Thus the percentage growth rate of income
generation from 2002 to 2008 has been calculated at 28.37%. This income
generation has been possible only due to the development of ecotourism
in the area.

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Table 3 Income generation from ecotourism at Kunjnagar

Year Income in US $

2002-03 16920
2003-04 20800
2004-05 21000
2005-06 25000
2006-07 21000
2007-08 21720

Source: Kunjnagar Eco-Development Committee( 2008)

RASIK BEEL ECOTOURISM CENTRE: The beauty of Rasik Beel is

very fascinating. Migratory birds like little Cormorant, large Egret, Open
Bill Stork , lesser Adjutant Stork , lesser Pied King fisher, Braminy Kite,
the Nature Interpretation Centre, the Fish Aquarium, the Children Park,
the Gharial Rescue centre, Animal Rescue centre and the Deer Park – all
these have changed the Rasik Beel wetland into an ecotourist centre.
Rasik beel ecotourism centre has also been earning a huge amount of
revenue in different years. In 2001-02 the amount collected from
ecotourism was US $ 12000 and it was about US $ 10680 during the
period of 2007-08 (Table 4).

Table 4 Earnings at Rasikbeel ecotourism centre

Year Earnings in US $

2001-02 12000
2002-03 12400
2003-04 5440
2004-05 3320
2005-06 5780
2006-07 8380
2007-08 10680

Source: divisional forest officer (kochbihar 2008 )

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TEKUNIA AND RASOMATI BEEL ECOTOURISM CENTRE:

Revenue income from ecotourism at Tekunia and Rasomati Beel is also
attractive. Tekunia ecotourism centre earned an amount of US $408.5
during the period of 2007-08 while the Rasomati Beel received US $
1145 during the same period (Table 5). This revenue income has been
possible only due to the development of ecotourism activity in these
areas. Table 5 reveals that Rasomati Beel ecotourism centre draws more
visitors than the Tekunia. Hence it is clear that Rasomati Beel ecotourism
centre has been very popular among the visitors.

Table 5 REVENUE INCOME FROM ECOTOURISM AT

TEKUNIA AND RASOMATI BEEL DURING THE PERIOD OF
2007-08

TEKUNIA RASOMATI BEEL

Month Inc Income in Income in US $
US $
January 60 400
February 51 300
March 42.5 250
April 30 50
May 150 20
June 5 Off season
July 4.5 Off season
August 4 Off season
September 5.5 10
October 11 40
November 10 30
December 35 45
Total 408.5 1145

Source: Register of the R.B.E.T.C and Mathabhanga range office, Beat

office (2008)

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES: ‘”Tourism generates considerable

employment, both directly in the sectors in which tourist expenditure
occurs and, more widely , via inter industry linkages”(Cooper et al
2006:36). In fact ecotourism is a labour intensive industry and thus is an
efficient way to generate employment in North Bengal also. In North
Bengal ‘most natural areas are located in rural locales. The development
of tourism in such areas can have considerable impact on the local people’
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(Aparna et al. 2007:236). Thus the spread of ecotourism activity has

opened a new source of livelihood to many ethnic people encircling the
Gorumara National Park. The Park authority has employed
Santals and Oraon people as tourist guides and folk dancers (Table 6). A
live show of the ethnic tribal dance can be seen every evening in all the
ecotourism camps at Lata guri, Murti, Dhupjhora, Kalipur and Budhuram
Forest Village. However they are also encouraged to engage in souvenir
industry. In this way the park authority to some extent has been succeeded
to provide employment generation amongst the local people. In fact
“tourism is a growing focus of economic policy in regions where
employment creation through other means of investment is difficult”
(Sharpley & Telfer et al 2006:122 ).

Table 6 Employment generation at Lataguri after 2000

Percentage
Before of
Sources 2007 - 08
2000 employment

300 62.37%
Nil
Accommodation Sector persons
14.55%
Nil 70 ,,
Transport Sector
4.16%
Nil 20 ,,
Souvenir Industry
7.28%
Nil 35 ,,
Employment as Guide
Members engaged in 11.64%
Nil 56 ,,
Folk dancing
Total 481 100

Source: Author’s Field Survey (2008)

The field survey carried out by the author during December, 2008 at
Lataguri, the most rich ecotourism destination reveals that the area
has benefited much from the employment point of view. Due to
expansion of ecotourism activity the area generates employment
opportunities to the local people. There is no other means of employment
in the area except agriculture. Thus ‘of particular importance to small
economies, tourism permits the gains of economies of scale’( Ryan
2006:150). From the field survey it is found that at present 481 people are

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directly related to the tourism activity. Of the total employment, 62.37%

has been engaged in accommodation sector. Thus this sector generates
maximum employment opportunities. Transport sector employs 14.55%
while the percentage of members engaged in folk dancing is 11.64.
Souvenir industry employs less number of people i.e, 4.16%. In fact “one
of the special features of ecotourism is its ability to stimulate economic
development therefore empowering local people through earning income
and employment” (Hall & Boyd et al 2006:173). Table 6 shows the
employment scenario in different sectors generated by ecotourism after
2000 in the area.

INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT: Tourism cluster in

developing economies plays an important role in improving outlying
infrastructure and dispersing economic activity. In fact ‘this development
is the primary component for the beginning of tourism in any
region’(Singh 1989:264). Besides, the development of infrastructure
forms the basis for diversification of other economic activities such as
small scale industries, horticulture, and means of communication etc.
Thus the tourist development directly or indirectly acts as an effective
means for revival of infrastructure and regional development ( Fig. 4). To
have a glimpse of infrastructural development due to ecotourism a case
study has been carried out by the author during the period of November
and December, 2008 at Lata guri , the most rich ecotourism centre of
North Bengal. From the field survey it is seen that there has been a radical
change in infrastructural and supra structural development after 2000 at
Lataguri. For instance in 2007-08 the number of resorts in the area was
30 whereas there was no resort before 2000 (Table 7). The movement of
small vehicles suitable for jungle safari has also been increased. There
are 54 vehicles in the area now. The number of telephone booths is at
present 10 while there was no telephone booth before 2000.

PROBLEMS

Though blessed with a rich flora, fauna and other natural and cultural
resources the region has not witnessed major tourism development
activity. The reasons behind it are as follows:
• LACK OF PROPER PUBLICITY: Most of the ecotourism
spots of North Bengal are least advertised or given adequate
publicity. Except Jaldapara and Gorumara ecotourism spots the
other spots are not brought into publicity properly. Lava,
Lolaygaon, Suntaleykhola, Tarakhola , Sandakphu, Buxa-

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Joyantia, Fallut , Rasik Beel, Dakshin Khair bari, Rasomati Beel,

Tekunia and Red Panda Camp areas have not been advertised
properly and so these areas receive few foreign tourists.
• LACK OF CO-ORDINATION BETWEEN FOREST
DEPARTMENT AND TOURISM DEPARTMENT: Except
some hill based resorts most of the ecotourism destinations of
North Bengal are forest based. Jaldapara, Gorumara, Buxa
National park are its examples. To visit these areas tourists have
to be dependent on the forest department. Bookings for
accommodation in these ecotourism destinations (except
Gorumara National Park) are a difficult task, which impede the
free flow of both inland and foreign tourists.
• LIMITED ‘TOURIST CIRCUIT’ PACKAGE: The regional
‘Tourist Circuit’ concept has not been implemented
everywhere. This package has been successful in Jalpaiguri and
Koch Bihar districts and in some parts of Darjiling district. The
package does not cover the important places like Lolaygaon,
Suntaleykhola, Tarakhola , Sandakphu and Buxa Tiger Reserve
areas.
• LACK OF PROPER ORGANIZATIONAL SET UP: Lack of
systematic organization is another constraint of ecotourism in the
study area. There is no separate tourism organization in North
Bengal. “New directions (paradigms) that are emerging in the
tourism field suggest that the efficiency and effectiveness of
tourism planning comprises not only advances in tourism
planning theory and practices but also improvement in the
organizational framework within which decisions are designed
and put into practice”( Costa 2001:425). Hence there should
have a separate Tourism Organisation for North Bengal
which will constantly monitor the tourism activity of the area.
• ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: The rapid growth rate of
ecotourism activity at Lataguri is inviting some negative impacts
on the environment. “Wall(1994) notes that ecotourism attracts
attention to natural treasures, thereby increasing the pressures
upon them”(Newsome et al 2006:19). Thus, increasing
construction of resorts is causing loss to a number of plants.
According to Lataguri Gram Panchayet, a local governing body
about 10 acres of forest lands have been wiped out for the
construction of the resorts and other infrastructural facilities in
the area since 2000. In fact ‘heavy human use of open space
adversely affects the biomass’ (Singh,1989:269). Again the
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increasing use of wood as fuel and timber in a number of

industrial products such as souvenir industry also leads to felling
and cutting of trees.

Table 7 Infrastructural development at Lataguri after 2000

Sources Before 2000 2007 - 08

Nil 30
Tourist Resort
2 5
Hotel (Only Fooding)

Transport (Maruti / Sumo 1 54

etc)
Nil 10
Telephone Booth
Nil 1
Handicrafts Sales Centre

Source: Author’s Field Survey (2008)

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Figure 4 Ecotourism’s positive impact on North Bengal

Employment
generation(both
Helping in spatial Generation of
Skilled &Unskilled)
development Income and Revenue

Improvement of Eco Tourism’s positive Better

Standard of living impact ON Multiplier
NORTH BENGAL

Rejuvenation of local Acceleration of Diversification of

Arts and Crafts Infrastructure economy

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MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

“Tourism management in most natural areas relies on a combination

of various management strategies and actions”(Newsome et al 2006:223).
For the present study area also several management strategies can be
adopted. The potential ecotourism spots of the area i.e, Buxa-Jayantia,
Chalsa, Fallut, Sandakphu, Gorubathan, Phallut and Bhutan Ghat, Gour ,
Pandua, Jagajivanpur areas have to be linked up with proper roads and
other infrastructural facilities. Recreational facilities like bathing,
climbing, libraries, souvenir shops, books and newspaper stalls etc. are to
be introduced in selected resorts; otherwise days in the study area would
not be interesting to the tourists. Proper flexible measures have to be
carried out for bookings of accommodation of the forest based ecotourism
destinations. In order to have a full benefit of tourism activity all
important ecotourism destinations have to be included with the ‘Tourist
Circuit’ concept. Thus the Hill, Heritage, and Forest added attractions
have to be brought under this concept. Again the co-ordination between
forest department and tourism department must be followed since most
of the tourist destinations of the area are forest based. Apart from this
emphasis should be given on the proper advertisement and publicity
programmes. Thus ‘with regard to product development, tourism
marketers should pay particular attention to the important relationship
between marketing and tourism planning’ (Cooper 2006:94). The task of
a planner does not end when a plan has been prepared for three years, five
years or seven years. “A system of constant revision and monitoring of
the plan progress should be a part of the exercise of the planning”(Bhatia
1985:124) Targets must be revised at times in the light of changing
resources, conditions and circumstances. Therefore, for the successful
ecotourism planning of the study area monitoring progress should be
adopted periodically.

CONCLUSION

The present study reflects an overview of present status of

ecotourism activity of different areas of North Bengal. It also provides an
analysis of the economic benefits that ecotourism projects of the different
areas contribute to some local areas as well as providing some baseline
assessment of its impact on social and resource development of North
Bengal. The fundamental findings are that ecotourism has improved the
regional economy through income and employment generation in
different National park areas of North Bengal. Several planning measures

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UDC: 338.48+640(050)

have been highlighted for North Bengal to promote the ecotourism

activities of the area.
With an agrarian background most of the people of the region are
engaged in primary sector. Due to lack of proper tertiary activities the
number of people engaged in this sector is less. Thus, ecotourism with its
rich natural endowments can do a lot for the good of the regional
economy and society of this economically backward area of India.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This case study is the result of numerous hardworking and dedicated

individuals. The author would like to thank all the villagers of different
ecotourism areas who extended their continuous support during the
present study. Their enthusiasm and interest in tourism is the basis of this
study. In addition, sincere thanks go to all of the hotel owners, tourists
and government officials who consented to interviews in the process of
this research.

SUBMITTED: JUNE 2010

REVISION SUBMITTED: OCTOBER 2010
ACCEPTED: NOVEMBER 2010
REFEREED ANONYMOUSLY

Madhusudan Karmakar (madhukarmakar.2008@[Link]),

Maynaguri College, 23, Gosthapal Sarani, Hakimpara (16 No. Ward),
Po. Sili guri Dt. Darjeeling Pin: 734001, West Bengal, India.

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