TAAS takes Sikkim to Vibrant Gujarat 2013

GANGTOK, 18 Jan: Following an official invitation from Government of Gujarat, two representatives from Travel Agent’s Association of Sikkim [TAAS] attended Vibrant Gujarat 2013 - The sixth Global Summit from 11 to 13 January in Gujarat.
A TAAS release informs that the Association was represented by general secretary, Barap Namgyal and secretary (North), Karma Palgey Lachungpa who interacted with dignitaries from different parts of the world. The TAAS representatives highlighted the tourism potential and products of Sikkim tourism industry and made a presentation on plans and policies of Government of Sikkim in making tourism a vibrant and propriety Industry in Sikkim.
The Vibrant Gujarat 2013 Summit has become an example of the visionary approach of the Government of Gujarat towards inclusive and sustainable development. The sixth Global summit provided enormous prospects to the state to display its strengths, progressive stand, initiatives taken to improve governance, investor friendly climate and art and culture of Gujarat, the release mentions.
The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi, in a short interaction with TAAS representatives appreciated the effort of Chef Minister, Pawan Chamling and his government in shaping “Char Dham” as a pilgrimage tourism destination in India “where most of the people from Gujarat will come to seek blessing in the peaceful State of Sikkim”, the release informs.
TAAS representatives extended an invitation to Mr Modi to visit Sikkim who also shared his idea of opening a “Sikkim Tourism” office in Gujarat.
Inclusive development being the prime focus, the key areas for development identified during the summit included: Innovation, Sustainability, Youth and Skill Development, Knowledge Sharing and Tourism Networking.
While appreciating the TAAS participation, the Gujarat government mentioned that every Sikkimese has an identity because Sikkim has been a leading state so far amongst the North East States in tourism which is a result of equal participation from both the Government and private sector of Sikkim.
At the Vibrant Gujarat 2013 Summit, the Gujarat government planned a number of events in the form of seminars, conventions, panel discussions, lecture series, exhibitions and other innovative forums for discussions, brainstorming sessions and interactions. The events were carefully planned to reach out to a larger audience and provide a common platform to think-tanks, academia, industrialists and government officials to analyse and suggest avenues for Gujarat to take leadership roles especially in the field of innovation and sustainability.
The Vibrant Gujarat 2013 Summit was transformational and revolutionary – both in its coverage and scale. It provided a platform for various states of India and other countries to cooperate and explore attractive business opportunities.
A total of 2,100 delegates from 121 countries attending 127 seminars on different topics and establishing of 2,670 strategic partnership intentions is a rare achievement, the release states.
With the Vibrant Gujarat 2013 Summit, ‘Brand Gujarat’ established bonding with people from around the globe where TAAS was pro-active in highlighting the PPP mode between Government and people of Sikkim.
TAAS will be actively deputing more members to attend various Tourism related fairs and seminars such as SATTE, TTF, Buyer’s & Sellers meet and Tourism Road shows to recover the loss incurred by the 2011 Earthquake and last year’s flash flood in North Sikkim and also to further promote the State of Sikkim in new & potential tourism markets, the release further mentions.