GANGTOK,: The scenic town of Yangang in South Sikkim is all set to host the
highly anticipated International Youth Conclave for Tourism Development from
April 12 to 14.
This
dynamic event, focused on shaping the future of sustainable tourism, will
feature Sanjiv Agarwal, founder & CEO of Fairfest Media, as the esteemed guest
of honor. The conclave is proudly supported by the Government of Sikkim.
A
prominent figure in India’s travel and tourism sector, Sanjiv Agarwal has
played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of travel trade shows, including
the highly successful TTF (Travel Trade Fair) and OTM (Outbound Travel Mart).
With years of experience advocating for experiential travel and highlighting
offbeat destinations, Agarwal’s presence at the conclave underscores the
event’s significance in reshaping tourism for a new generation of leaders, a
press release informs.
“India
is a young and vibrant nation, and the youth are our driving force. Traditional
tourist destinations are no longer enough; today’s travelers seek unique,
offbeat experiences. I’m thrilled to see States like Sikkim bringing emerging
destinations like Yangang into the spotlight—it’s a positive and exciting
development,” said Agarwal.
“The
tourism industry is competitive, but with the right positioning, anyone can
find their niche. Sikkim has been proactive in promoting tourism, and it’s
clear that sustainable tourism is a priority. However, it’s also about creating
high-value, sustainable destinations—much like Bhutan has done. It’s not just
about attracting large numbers, but about attracting the right kind of
tourists. If done correctly, there’s a massive potential for revenue growth.
I’m pleased to see how the State is championing high-quality high-value
responsible tourism,” he added.
The
conclave, which coincides with Sikkim’s 50th year of Statehood, will gather
youth leaders, tourism experts, and delegates from across India and the globe
to explore how tourism can contribute to the region’s growth. Discussions will
centre on sustainable tourism, cultural preservation, and the role of youth in
shaping the future of the industry, the release mentions.
Under
the central theme, “Celebrating Sikkim’s 50 Years of Statehood,” the conclave will
provide an in-depth look into the State’s tourism evolution, opportunities, and
challenges. It will also spotlight emerging destinations like Yangang,
positioning them for future growth through targeted tourism infrastructure
projects supported by the Ministry of Tourism.
Chief
Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay reaffirmed the government’s vision for
sustainable tourism, stating: “Tourism has always been a priority for our
government. To ensure sustainable development for our youth and region, it will
continue to play a central role in our future plans. This aligns with our
vision of Sunaulo, Samriddha, and Samarth Sikkim.”
Reflecting
on Sikkim’s tourism journey, he added: "This conclave provides a valuable
opportunity to showcase the immense potential of destinations like Yangang
while exploring sustainable solutions that will drive tourism-led growth. We
are committed to positioning Sikkim as a global tourism hub, preserving its
rich heritage, and ensuring that local communities benefit from these
opportunities.”
Speaking
on this, Raj Kumari Thapa, Deputy Speaker and MLA of Yangang said, “Yangang is
emerging as a major destination, and this conclave is a step toward unlocking
its full potential. With sustainable tourism at the heart of our efforts, we
are committed to creating an ecosystem where local communities thrive alongside
growing tourism opportunities.”
As a
champion of experiential travel, Agarwal brings a wealth of knowledge and
passion to the conclave. His leadership in the tourism sector has helped many
lesser-known destinations gain global recognition, and his focus on promoting
offbeat locations aligns perfectly with Sikkim’s efforts to put emerging areas
like Yangang on the map.
In
addition to his keynote participation, Agarwal will engage in panel discussions
and share insights on how sustainable tourism can foster economic growth while
preserving the local culture and environment. The conclave will also feature
various interactive sessions, heritage walks, and cultural exchange programs
designed to offer delegates a hands-on experience of Sikkim’s tourism
offerings, the release mentions.
