Letter:
Prashant Rai, Information Assistant (I&P), Tourism & Civil Aviation Department
The Year 2010 was declared as the Year of Tourism by the State Government. Coinciding with the inauguration of International Rhododendron festival in North Sikkim on 25h April 2010, the Year of Tourism was launched. The year witnessed a series of Tourism activities all over the State. The inauguration of International Rhododendron Festival on at Singbha Rhododendron Sanctuary Gate on 25th April 2010 was marked by flag off for biking at Yumthang- Lachen and also other activities like trekking, nature camp, bird watching, angling and short treks amidst the forest which was in full bloom with colorful rhododendrons, primulae and magnolia. International Conference on Rhododendron Conservation and Sustainable use was held at Saramsa Garden on 29th April 2010.This was participated by tourists and experts from different corners of the world.
Meetings on promotion of Adventure Tourism, Village Tourism, Responsible Tourism and various other topics were held from time to time. At the same time tourism officials and tour operators both from within and outside the country also visited the State to understand the tourism potential of the State.
A three daylong celebration of World Tourism Day included conference and workshops on Village Tourism and Wellness Tourism. State Tourism awards were presented to the organizations and individuals who have contributed and excelled in the promotion of tourism in the State. A film shot in Sikkim by a renowned actor and film maker Shri Amol Palekar was screened on the World Tourism Day.
Another important milestone was the adoption of eight villages by TAAS for Tourism development on 6th September 2010. Dzongu for Organic farming, Lachen for Green lake trek, Sumbuk Kitam for Health Tourism, Borong for Adventure tourism, Yangyang for Eco-cultural tourism, Malli-Aching Gau for Adventure and Rhenock- Rongli- Aritar- Lingtam for Cultural and Nature Tourism.
Towards promoting rural tourism various tourism fairs and festivals were organized which showcased the rich culture and heritage of the State. Some of the important tourism festivals celebrated were Pang Lhabsol at Gangtok and Rabongla, Namsoong Festival at Dzongu, Winter Tourism festival cum Lossong and Namsoong festival at Gangtok,Maghe Sankranti Mela at Jorethang, Youth Adventure Festival at Yangyang, Namchi Mahotsav, Maniram Village Tourism festival at Maniram,Ramnawami Mahotsav at Temi and 5th Lampokhari Paryatan Mahotsav at Aritar.
The need also was felt to have a brand name for the State to enhance marketing of tourism products. Consequently several meetings were held and suggestions obtained of which various shortlisted names have been compiled for final selection of a suitable brand name for the State. The year was also marked by infrastructural development for tourism in different corners of the State some of which have been completed and some nearing its completion.
The Department along with the stakeholders also participated in various trade fairs both within and outside the country for promotion of tourism.
Consequently the unrelenting support of the State Government along with sincere co-operation of stakeholders paid off with Sikkim being conferred National Award as the Best State in Tourism Related Programmes and Development of Infrastructure for the year 2009-10 on March 28th 2011.
With the Closing of the International Rhododendron festival on 22nd April 2011 at Uttarey, in West Sikkim the Year of Tourism has concluded. This however is not the end but the beginning of yet bigger responsibilities and future planning for taking our beautiful State to such heights of recognition that Sikkim will one day become the model State and an example for all the others to learn from. The year undoubtedly has set a benchmark for initiation of many important projects and activities in making Sikkim a prime Tourist destination in the days to come. Celebrating year 2010 as the Year of Tourism has in fact been the beginning of a long-lasting positive approach for taking Sikkim towards the path of success and prosperity in the field of tourism. This will undoubtedly open up new avenues and offer a significant prospective to the tourism development of the State.
The Department would like to take this opportunity to thank all the stake holders and others involved in tourism promotion for their sincere co-operation and enthusiasm in making Sikkim one of the best tourist destinations in the country. We would also like to appeal to all to follow safe and honorable tourism. Let us all join hands to keep the image of Sikkim as a safe and hospitable tourist destination.
Prashant Rai, Information Assistant (I&P), Tourism & Civil Aviation Department
The Year 2010 was declared as the Year of Tourism by the State Government. Coinciding with the inauguration of International Rhododendron festival in North Sikkim on 25h April 2010, the Year of Tourism was launched. The year witnessed a series of Tourism activities all over the State. The inauguration of International Rhododendron Festival on at Singbha Rhododendron Sanctuary Gate on 25th April 2010 was marked by flag off for biking at Yumthang- Lachen and also other activities like trekking, nature camp, bird watching, angling and short treks amidst the forest which was in full bloom with colorful rhododendrons, primulae and magnolia. International Conference on Rhododendron Conservation and Sustainable use was held at Saramsa Garden on 29th April 2010.This was participated by tourists and experts from different corners of the world.
Meetings on promotion of Adventure Tourism, Village Tourism, Responsible Tourism and various other topics were held from time to time. At the same time tourism officials and tour operators both from within and outside the country also visited the State to understand the tourism potential of the State.
A three daylong celebration of World Tourism Day included conference and workshops on Village Tourism and Wellness Tourism. State Tourism awards were presented to the organizations and individuals who have contributed and excelled in the promotion of tourism in the State. A film shot in Sikkim by a renowned actor and film maker Shri Amol Palekar was screened on the World Tourism Day.
Another important milestone was the adoption of eight villages by TAAS for Tourism development on 6th September 2010. Dzongu for Organic farming, Lachen for Green lake trek, Sumbuk Kitam for Health Tourism, Borong for Adventure tourism, Yangyang for Eco-cultural tourism, Malli-Aching Gau for Adventure and Rhenock- Rongli- Aritar- Lingtam for Cultural and Nature Tourism.
Towards promoting rural tourism various tourism fairs and festivals were organized which showcased the rich culture and heritage of the State. Some of the important tourism festivals celebrated were Pang Lhabsol at Gangtok and Rabongla, Namsoong Festival at Dzongu, Winter Tourism festival cum Lossong and Namsoong festival at Gangtok,Maghe Sankranti Mela at Jorethang, Youth Adventure Festival at Yangyang, Namchi Mahotsav, Maniram Village Tourism festival at Maniram,Ramnawami Mahotsav at Temi and 5th Lampokhari Paryatan Mahotsav at Aritar.
The need also was felt to have a brand name for the State to enhance marketing of tourism products. Consequently several meetings were held and suggestions obtained of which various shortlisted names have been compiled for final selection of a suitable brand name for the State. The year was also marked by infrastructural development for tourism in different corners of the State some of which have been completed and some nearing its completion.
The Department along with the stakeholders also participated in various trade fairs both within and outside the country for promotion of tourism.
Consequently the unrelenting support of the State Government along with sincere co-operation of stakeholders paid off with Sikkim being conferred National Award as the Best State in Tourism Related Programmes and Development of Infrastructure for the year 2009-10 on March 28th 2011.
With the Closing of the International Rhododendron festival on 22nd April 2011 at Uttarey, in West Sikkim the Year of Tourism has concluded. This however is not the end but the beginning of yet bigger responsibilities and future planning for taking our beautiful State to such heights of recognition that Sikkim will one day become the model State and an example for all the others to learn from. The year undoubtedly has set a benchmark for initiation of many important projects and activities in making Sikkim a prime Tourist destination in the days to come. Celebrating year 2010 as the Year of Tourism has in fact been the beginning of a long-lasting positive approach for taking Sikkim towards the path of success and prosperity in the field of tourism. This will undoubtedly open up new avenues and offer a significant prospective to the tourism development of the State.
The Department would like to take this opportunity to thank all the stake holders and others involved in tourism promotion for their sincere co-operation and enthusiasm in making Sikkim one of the best tourist destinations in the country. We would also like to appeal to all to follow safe and honorable tourism. Let us all join hands to keep the image of Sikkim as a safe and hospitable tourist destination.
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