The Gorkhaland agitation took heavy toll on the hill resort. The violence protests saw significant drop in tourists during winter season in Darjeeling. However things have changed this year.
Earlier fears of another poor season following the earthquake in Sikkim have disappeared. There were few cancellations but situation returned to normal quite quickly. Tour operators say that earthquake didn't cost much to the tourism industry.
Hoteliers are delighted with the tourists response this season. In past four years hotels in Darjeeling had occupancy rate around 65 per cent. This year majority of hotels are fully booked while remaining enjoys 90 per cent occupancy rate.
The popular toy train of Darjeeling is making eight trips a day instead of usual 2 trips. Toy train is making eight trips to meet the demand of rising tourists. With new tourism festival, Darjeeling is planning to extend the tourist season till January. Looking at the initial response of tourists, it looks quite possible.