GANGTOK, : The first preparatory meeting for the International Youth Conclave
for Tourism Development, scheduled to be held in Yangang from April 12 to April
14 took place at the Sikkim Legislative Assembly (SLA) Secretariat on Saturday.
The meeting was chaired by Deputy Speaker Raj Kumari Thapa and attended by key
government representatives and officials, a press release informs.
Among
the distinguished attendees were Chief Minister’s political secretary Bikash
Basnet, Chief Minister’s OSD Karma Subba, ex-zilla adhyaksha CL Gurung, SBS
managing director Phurba Wangdi Bhutia, Education principal director Sonam
Denzongpa, principal director (Accounts) BB Izam, and officials from various
departments representing Rangang-Yangang constituency.
The
meeting was presided over by members of the Yangang Tourism Development
Committee (YTDC).
During
the deliberations, the participants discussed the significance of the conclave,
which will commemorate 50 Years of Sikkim’s Statehood by highlighting the
growth, challenges, and opportunities in the State’s
tourism sector. The conclave organised by YTDC aims to promote underdeveloped
tourism destinations in Sikkim, particularly Yangang, while fostering global
tourism, employment opportunities, and community development, the release
mentions.
Deputy
Speaker Raj Kumari Thapa, also the Rangang-Yangang MLA, stressed the importance
of collective responsibility and community participation in making the event a
success. As this is the first time Yangang will be hosting such a prestigious
and meaningful event, she emphasized that it would not only boost the region’s
tourism industry but also serve as an inspiration for youths to engage in tourism
entrepreneurship, event management, and community involvement.
The
meeting also discussed the overall programme outline, which includes the
promotion of cultural heritage, tourism development, adventure tourism,
encouragement of local entrepreneurship and minute management of the event to
ensure smooth execution.
The
conclave is set to be a significant initiative that will align with the 50
years of Sikkim’s Statehood celebrations, along with the vision of “Sunaulo,
Samriddha ani Samartha Sikkim”, as envisioned by Chief Minister PS Golay.
A
major decision taken during the meeting was to extend an official invitation to
the Chief Minister to grace the event. The members also deliberated on
strategies to enhance participation from national and international delegates,
ensuring that the conclave serves as a global platform for discussions on
tourism development.
The
three-day event will host 250 delegates from across India’s 28 States and 3
Union Territories, as well as participants from 10 countries worldwide. The
conclave will feature forums, discussions, and experience-sharing sessions
aimed at enhancing Sikkim’s tourism industry.
Yangang
Tourism Development Committee (YTDC), which has played a crucial role in
promoting sustainable tourism and local economic growth since its establishment
in 2008, will take the lead in organizing the event. With the support of the
Tourism department, State government and various stakeholders, the conclave is
expected to be a landmark event, strengthening Sikkim’s position as a premier
tourism destination and showcasing its cultural and natural heritage to the
world, the release mentions.
