sikkim tourism

SIKKIM TOURISM POLICIES

PRASHANT KUMAR SINGH

M.ARCH(RA),3RD SEM.

JMI

POLICIES & LEGISLATION

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.


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.


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

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.

SOUCE: 2012-13 ANNUAL REPORT OF SIKKIM TOURISM

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:


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


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;


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 decision-

making 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

sikkim tourism

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