The Himalayan Hospitality & Tourism Development Network (HHTDN), an apex body of tourism stakeholders in north Bengal, is focusing on sustainable tourism and the safety of women travellers in the region.

“Due to climate changes, natural disasters like landslides, heavy rainfall, flash floods and erosion are occurring in this part of Bengal and also in the neighbouring state of Sikkim. We have been working for sustainable tourism and have decided to put more emphasis on it so that tourism activities do not impact ecological balance in the region,” said Samrat Sanyal, the general secretary of HHTDN.

He was speaking on the sidelines of the third biennial meeting of the organisation held on Saturday.

According to him, tourists visiting the region would be asked to refrain from any practice that can lead to environmental pollution.

“We would request them to refrain from indiscriminately dumping plastic and materials, which cause pollution. There are instances that due to consistent dumping of such garbage, hilly streams and springs have got clogged in many locations,” said Sanyal.

For women travelling solo or in groups in north Bengal and Sikkim, the HHTDN has planned to introduce a mobile app and a helpline.

“Also, drivers, the staff in hotels and homestay accommodations, guides, and others who work in grassroots would be trained so that women travellers feel safe and secure during their trips. We are also encouraging local women to join the tourism sector. They can, in due course, provide service to women travelers,” he added.

The HHTDN, which has tour operators, hospitality units, travel agents, transporters, guides, and allied stakeholders of the industry as its members, will also promote ethical tourism in the region.

“All those associated with the sector should work with ethical business practices and provide appropriate services to tourists. Such an initiative builds the goodwill of tourist destinations,” Sanyal said.