SPICEJET is tapping an underserved segment with its new Kolkata-Bagdogra-Kathmandu flights launched last week.
The thrice-weekly service, operated with a Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft, will serve West Bengal, where West Bengal Tourism has been carrying out major resort and entertainment development projects that will offer golfing and adventure tourism options, due to be completed in 2017.
With no other airports in the region, Bagdogra acts as gateway to popular destinations like Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong, Dooars, Sikkim, and Phuntsholing in Bhutan.
Debjit Dutta, director, Impression Tourism Services Kolkata, said: “The mountains-to-mangroves tourist trail leads to Bagdogra airport as the entry point, and (the new flight) opens up the mountain resorts in the Darjeeling hills and neighbouring areas for tea tourism.
“Close by, Jaldapara National park offers wildlife tourism, and Sikkim offers birding and adventure tourism. Flights connecting Bagdogra with Kolkata and Kathmandu will exponentially increase inbound tourism from Nepal not only for Nepalese nationals but also international tourists.”
SpiceJet currently flies from New Delhi to Kathmandu 11 times weekly, and will add new international services from Kolkata to Hong Kong, Guangzhou, and Dhaka by 4Q2014.
