GANGTOK, : Sikkim Tourism has made a remarkable comeback following the easing of
the Covid pandemic, with a total of 1.62 lakh foreign tourists visiting the
Himalayan State in 2022 and 2023.
According
to the Union Tourism minister, Sikkim welcomed 68,645 international visitors in
2022, and the number of foreign visitors surged to 93,908
in 2023. These figures highlight a significant rebound in the State's tourism
industry, signalling a promising recovery after the Covid pandemic of two
years.
The
Union Tourism minister was sharing the post-Covid data of foreign tourist
visits to India in reply to a question submitted by Sikkim Lok Sabha MP Indra
Hang Subba in the Parliament.
As
per his written reply on March 10, Sikkim had the highest number of foreign
tourists among all the eight Northeastern States in 2022 and 2023.
LokSabha
MP Indra Hang Subba, in a press statement, emphasized that these figures
reflect the growing popularity of Sikkim among international tourists,
attributing this post-Covid success to the tireless efforts of Chief Minister
Prem Singh Tamang-Golay in reviving the State's tourism sector.
“The
official figures of international visitors to Sikkim records that our State’s
tourism sector has made an expeditious recovery immediately after the Covid
pandemic eased. The Sikkim government led by Chief Minister Prem Singh
Tamang-Golay, once the Covid relaxations were announced, took immediate steps
to promote Sikkim as a safe and attractive destination at national and
international levels. Additionally,
outreach initiatives made by our tourism stakeholders including Travel Agents
Association of Sikkim played a significant role in this successful revival,”
said LokSabha MP Indra Hang Subba.
Indra
Hang reiterated that the Sikkim government led by Chief Minister Prem Singh
Tamang-Golay have accorded top most priority for strengthening the tourism
sector of Sikkim – which provide livelihood to 18% of the State’s population.
This is evident in the 2024-25 State Budget itself where focus is laid on
boosting tourism sector through innovative projects and a robust road network
in Sikkim, he reminded.
As
the summer tourism season arrives, the Sikkim government is already engaged in
top-level talks with concerned Union ministries and Central agencies to ensure
that our air and road connectivity – Pakyong Airport and NH 10 – functions
smoothly to ensure maximum tourism arrivals in Sikkim, said the Lok Sabha MP.
Indra
Hang has earlier this week met with the Union Civil Aviation minister and
NHIDCL top officials regarding smooth operation of Pakyong Airport and NH 10.
