We believe tourism could become an important source of income in the Kanchenjunga area. But it is not the only possibility—modern agriculture could also create work—but our priority is to improve local opportunities so fewer young men have to migrate.
At present, only a small number of people benefit from visitors, mainly households offering accommodation to the few trekkers who pass through their villages. Tourism’s effect on the wider district economy is still almost invisible.
Tourism will not slow youth migration until its benefits extend beyond a handful of lodges along the trekking route.
Organised groups generally spend less in local communities than individual travellers because they bring much of what they need. At the time of our discussion, the conservation area was not expected to open to independent trekkers until 2004.
We hope that allowing individual travellers will increase direct contact and local spending. Independent visitors are more likely to use small accommodation, purchase food and hire services along the route.
For several years, the entrance fees paid by tourists to the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area have been collected and placed in a bank account. The total is still too modest to finance major programmes, but it creates a foundation that may grow over time.
Entrance fees are a beginning, but money sitting in an account becomes development only when communities can use it for shared priorities.
Improving the road into the district is one of our most urgent concerns. Its poor condition restricts tourism, trade and access to services. Any investment made for visitors should also improve daily life for residents.
We want tourism to complement agriculture rather than replace it. A diversified economy is more resilient and offesr young people more reasons to stay, not just one seasonal source of work.
Kanchenjunga already earns some tourism revenue, but it remains a modest foundation; the real task is turning it into local jobs, stronger roads and opportunities worth staying for.