Pedong, Oct. 21: The sudden inflow of tourists into this sleepy hamlet has prompted the residents of Pedong to convert their houses into hotels.

“With lots of tourists visiting Pedong this season, local people want to convert their houses into hotels,” said Sebastian Pradhan, director of Damsang Environment Conservation Eco Tourism Organisation, a body that works for the promotion of tourism in the Pedong area.

“Around five houses have been converted into hotels this year. One of the lodges is on the verge of completion. More and more people want to convert their homes into hotels and are coming to me seeking suggestions,” said Pradhan.

Speaking about tourists visiting Pedong, Jhangi Maya Rai, who converted his residence into Damsang Guest House at the beginning of this month, said: “Throughout the month, all our rooms were packed and we have bookings for November too.”

“When we saw the tourist inflow, we realised that opening a hotel here would be a good source of income. The money spent was also less since we already had rooms and only needed to build attached toilets,” she added. The residence-turned-hotel now offers four rooms to tourists.

Private investors from Siliguri and Kalimpong are also showing an interest in Pedong. “We have received offers from Siliguri and Kalimpong-based agencies to open resorts here. Talks are on. These resorts will suit the needs of high-budget tourists,” said Pradhan.

Sixteen-year-old Deepak Kumar, who has come to Pedong on a school excursion from Shillong, said: “This is a lovely place and I would like to come here more often. We have been trekking and rock climbing too.”

Echoing his words, 12-year-old Kavita Kumari Prasad said: “What I like about this place is that the people are very friendly out here.”

“This place has immense tourism potential. But this is only the initial phase, as visitors are coming here only on an experimental basis,” Pradhan said.