SIKKIM TOURISM POLICIES

POLICIES & LEGISLATION

PRASHANT KUMAR SINGH

M.ARCH(RA),3RD SEM.
JMI

INTRODUCTION

Tourism in the State of Sikkim is growing at a rapid pace in a very well thought of and
planned manner.

During the last several years the inflow of both domestic and foreign visitors has
increased to a significant number i.e 558538 domestic (2012) and 26489 international
(2012). This is due to a large scale development in infrastructure including
accommodation, transportation and other facilities.

The State Government has been very effective and successful in educating and guiding the
people regarding tourism on the basic principle of Sustainable Development.

There are certain very strong steps which have been taken up to preserve culture,
tradition, heritage and environment /ecology of the State.

Promotion of pilgrimage destinations have also been augmented through recent

development of pilgrimage Centers like Siddheshvara Dham in Solophok, and Tathagata
Tsal in Rabong, apart from other religious Centers all over the State.

Objectives of policies of Sikkim tourism department

Position tourism as a major engine of economic growth

Harness the direct and multiplier effects of tourism for employment

generation,beconomic development and providing impetus to rural/village tourism

Focus on domestic tourism along with international tourism as a major driver for growth

Position Sikkim at global level as eco-tourism destination

Acknowledges the critical role of private sectors with Government working as a pro-active
facilitator and catalyst

Create and develop integrated tourism circuits based on different special themes, special
tourism products, unique experience tourism products and premium tourism destinations

Ensure that tourist to Sikkim get physically invigorated, mentally rejuvenated, culturally
enriched, spiritually elevated and FEEL SIKKIM FROM WITHIN

Objectives of policies of Sikkim tourism department

The policy document takes into consideration ten (10) key areas that will provide guiding
thrust to tourism development. These are: Swagat (Welcome), Soochana ( Information),
Suvidha ( Facilitation), Suraksha ( Safety), Sahyog ( Cooperation), Samrachana (
Infrastructure Development) and Safai ( Cleanliness), Paryavaran (Enviroment), Paristhiki
( Ecology) and our great asset SHANTI ( Peace)

Major attraction of Sikkim

Gangtok

Category : History & Culture

The capital of Sikkim is a charming and picturesque town, straddling with striking houses
spilling down the hillside. The city has a fusion of traditional customs and modern way of
living which makes the place unique. It's a beautiful town with all modern amenities that one
can ask for.

Yuksom

Category : History & Culture

This was the first capital of Sikkim, where historical records say that the first divine ruler of
Sikkim was sanctified in 1641 by the three learned lamas. The evidence of the ceremony is still
present in Norbugang Chorten. The place is considered sacred since the history of Sikkim
began from here. It's also the base camp for the trek to the famous Mt. Khangchendzonga.

Major attraction of Sikkim

Tsomgo Lake

Category : Nature
The lake is about a kilometer long, oval in shape and is considered very holy by the locals.
Between May to August, the lake area is spectacular with a display of rare flowers including
the primulas, iris and blue & yellow poppies. The lake has a number of aquatic and aerial
species and is a perfect habitat for the red panda. The lake freezes in winter.

Nathula Pass

Category : Nature
At an altitude of 14200 ft, the pass is located on the Indo-China border and connects Sikkim
to Tibet Autonomous Region in China. The journey itself is an exhilarating experience, with
mist covered peaks, zigzag roads and roaring waterfalls, the passage is simply amazing. Visitors
are required to get a permit to visit the place.

Major attraction of Sikkim

Pelling

Category : Nature
Pelling is rapidly becoming a popular tourist destination. At an altitude of 6800 ft, it's the most
excellent place to get a closest view of the world's 3rd highest peak Mt. Kanchendzonga.
Apart from the innate beauty of the place, other attractions in Pelling are the Sanga Choeling
Monastery, Pemayangtse Monastery and the Khecheopalri Lake. Nathula Pass

The Rumtek Monastery

Category : Religious
This magnificent monastery is among the top tourist attractions in Sikkim. It provides as a
residence for the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa. The Monastery features some of the extraordinary
works of art. The Golden Stupa is the most significant segment of the monastery..

Some Important Facts about Sikkim

Tourism:

In past years, Sikkim has become one of the most sought after tourist destination

Tourism is going to be developed as most important sector for contribution of the GDP

Tourism has created a substantial employment, directly or indirectly

Number of Domestic tourists in 2003 were about 1, 76,659 while in 2008 were more
than 5, 00,000 tourists visited the state and in 2009 the number may be about 6,00,000
tourists

Number of foreign tourists in 2003 were about 11,966 while in 2008 about 23,000
tourists visited the state and in 2009 we expect about same response due to various global
issues.

- State has received more than 15 number of National Awards in Tourism in various fields

STATISTICS RELATED TO TOURISTS

PER YEAR

SOUCE: 2012-13 ANNUAL REPORT OF SIKKIM TOURISM

The overall scenario of the tourism sector has changed in the last decade as the records
suggest. There has been steady growth in the tourist arrival trend and this can be seen as a
strong indicator that tourism industry in Sikkim has flourished over the years. The reason for
its success can be attributed to the ceaseless efforts of the government to promote tourism
industry in right earnest through numerous mega development projects all over the State.

KEY OBJECTIVES STARTEGIES AND

ACTION PLANS:
Tourism promotion in any State means the integrated development of the State. It
compulsorily provides thrusts to all sectors of the State. And hence, it is proposed to
constitute a Sikkim Tourism Advisory Council headed by the Honble Chief Minister
of Sikkim, having Minister Tourism as Vice-Chairperson, Chief Secretary, Addl. Chief

Secretary/ Development Commissioner, Principal Secretary Finance, members from

interlinked Departments and Key Stake holders, experts from important fields and the
Secretary Tourism as Member Secretary. To achieve the desired overall vision of the State for
sustainable development of tourism sector, the key objectives and strategies must be followed

and implemented by the Government with full participation of all the Stake holders &
peoples participation are as under:

KEY OBJECTIVES STARTEGIES AND

ACTION PLANS:
Positioning tourism as a state priority
Enhancing and maintaining the competitiveness of sikkim as
tourism destination

Improving existing tourism products and expanding these to meet

the new market requirement

Creation and management of world class infrastructure

DEVELOPING SUSTAINED AND EFFECTIVE MARKETING

PLANS AND PROGRAMME
-Strategies for Effective Marketing
-Creating Sikkim Tourism Brand Position

KEY OBJECTIVES STARTEGIES AND

ACTION PLANS:
-Market Information & Analyses
-Modern Methods and Digital Technology for Marketing

RESPONSIBLE TOURISM
minimises negative economic, environmental, and social impacts;
generates greater economic benefits for local people and enhances the
well-being of host communities, improves working conditions and access
to the industry;

involves local people in decisions that affect their lives and life chances;
makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural
heritage, to the maintenance of the world's diversity;

KEY OBJECTIVES STARTEGIES AND

ACTION PLANS:
Education and Learning
Campaigning Taking Responsibility for Sustainable Local Social and
Economic

Development and Awareness Raising

SOUCE: 2012-13 ANNUAL REPORT OF SIKKIM TOURISM

SWOT (STREANTHS, WEAKNESSES,

OPPORTUNITIES & THREATS)
ANALYSES:

STRENGTHS

Political & Social

stability, Committed
leadership & Strong
Political will & Vision,
Peace & Tranquility,
Safety & Security,
Hospitable society, Rich
Natural Resources,
Pollution Free
environment, Organic
State, Rich Biodiversity,
Unique Ecology, Rich
natural and rural
landscape, Integrated
Development,
development both, All
climatic zones

WEAKNESSES

Lack of strong brand

identity/ USP, Poor
connectivity, only single
Highway, no airport, no
railway line, Quality of
facilities, services and
Inadequate service
providers, quality
Accommodation, transport
& related Infrastructures,
limited community
participation and
responsibility, lack of
coordination, Poor
capabilities, Poor availability
of Skilled & trained Human
resources, Inner line permit
& other restrictions, Limited
budget

OPPORTUNITIES

Himalayan State, Natural

resources & all Climatic
zones, Indias strength as one
of the worlds largest
economies for business,
trade, meetings, incentives,
events, conventions, and
exhibitions based on
Tourism, Huge potential of
urban domestic populations
for rural/village tourism,
Rich & diverse heritage,
culture and civilisational,
Unique location, Mountains,
Pilgrimage/Buddhist for
International Market

THREATS

Failing to effectively resolve

the constraints/ weaknesses
identified, Failing to involve
the communities in decisionmaking process, Failure to
adopt & implement
sustainable development &
management principles and
practices at destinations, sites,
circuits, especially in the rural
areas and natural tourism
sites. Not effectively
addressing the high and ever
increasing competition in the
region (inside & Bordering
countries) & other
competitive states