1.
Ruby Mahali
– Research Scholar, Department of Education, University of Gour Banga, Malda, West Bengal, India.
2.
Md Nasim Ansari
– Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce, Brainware University, Barasat, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
3.
Monica Mahali
– Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce, Dhruba Chand Halder College, Dakshin Barasat, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
Received 13-Jul-2025
Accepted 04-Nov-2025
Published 25-Jul-2026
Abstract
This study investigates the potential for developing tea tourism in Darjeeling (West Bengal, India) by surveying visiting tourists’ demographics, tea-drinking behaviours, activity preferences, attitudes toward tea tourism, and willingness to participate in tea-related tours. Darjeeling is internationally renowned for its tea heritage and scenic landscapes, yet tourist demand for tea tourism has not been empirically examined. A structured questionnaire was administered to a random sample of visitors at six popular attractions in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Siliguri, yielding over 240 valid responses. Respondent profiles and behaviours were analyzed using descriptive statistics. One-way ANOVA and chi-square tests were used to identify differences in attitudes and behaviours across demographic groups. Results show that most respondents drink tea (90%) and express positive attitudes toward tea tourism. Tea garden tours and tea-tasting sessions were the most preferred activities. Attitudes and willingness were significantly associated with age and gender: middle-aged visitors reported the highest commitment to tea tourism, and male tourists
were more likely than female tourists to plan tea tourism trips. ANOVA
confirmed that tourists who were “sure” about future tea-tour participation
had significantly stronger tea-oriented attitudes than those “unsure” or “not
interested”. These findings suggest strong market interest in tea tourism in
Darjeeling and highlight demographic segments to target
