Cancellations hit hotels & homestays in Hills, Dooars
Times of India | 7 October 2025Members of Darjeeling Hotel Association said the uncertainty over travel routes has left the hill hospitality industry grappling with yet another setback in the festive season. "If we look at the flow of the last few days, there have been some walk-in inquiries, but most are budget travellers, looking for rooms in the Rs 3,500-4,000 range. However, Oct, which is usually one of our best months, has been disappointing.
Occupancy has averaged only 35-40% this season," said Reggie Lama, general secretary of DHA.
"Immediate cancellations poured in following the heavy rains and landslides that cut off the Siliguri-Darjeeling-Mirik routes, with around 40 to 50 room bookings scrapped in some hotels in a day," said Lama.
Travel agents and tour operators too are fielding a barrage of calls — not for new bookings, but for updates on road conditions, safety, and accessibility.
"People are anxious to know whether it's safe to travel. Many have postponed or cancelled plans," said Darjeeling Association of Travel Agents (DATA) general secretary Pradeep Lama.
Lama added the first week of Oct showed promise, with steady visitor flow. But as torrential rains hit N Bengal, business slumped dramatically. "Oct started well but dropped sharply — the landslides changed everything. With the state working to restore connectivity and rebuild damaged infrastructure, the industry remains hopeful," added Lama.
While rescue operations continue in Mirik, homestay owners are reeling under a wave of cancellations following the landslides. According to the Rangbang-Tabakosi Homestay Owners' Association, which has over 40 homestays under its banner, nearly 70% of bookings were cancelled overnight from Oct 4, with more cancellations pouring in.
"We were fully booked till the end of Oct. But after news of the incident spread, cancellations started immediately. Around 70% of our bookings have already been called off, and we fear the remaining will also be cancelled in the next few days," said Prashant Rai, secretary of the association.
In the Dooars, there were hardly any bookings in Lataguri-Gorumara. Jaldapara was slightly better. But the disruption has shattered the hopes of making good the losses.
