World Tourism Day 2026 Observed in Gangtok

GANGTOK,(IPR): The Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Government of Sikkim, in collaboration with the District Administration Centre (DAC), Gangtok, observed World Tourism Day 2026 today at the conference hall of the District Administrative Centre, Gangtok district.

The celebration was held under the global theme, “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Re-design Tourism”, highlighting the evolving role of digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence in shaping the tourism sector.

The programme was attended by Mayor, Gangtok Municipal Corporation, Tshering Palden Bhutia, as the chief guest, and Chairman, Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC), Lukendra Rasaily, as the special guest, along with Joint Director, Tourism & CA Department, Nirmal Cintury, Sub Divisional Magistrate, Headquarters, DAC, Gangtok, CS Limboo, and Officer Commanding, 130 RCC, GREF, Lt Col Narender Singh Wadia.

Also present were representatives from the Tourism & CA Department, District Administration, STDC, GREF, Army, travel and tourism associations, hotel and hospitality sector, taxi and vehicle associations, homestay sector, Institute of Hotel Management and other stakeholders.

As part of the programme, video messages from Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and Minister of Tourism & CA Department, Tshering Thendup Bhutia, were screened, extending greetings on the occasion and highlighting the significance of the theme.

In his video message, the Chief Minister extended greetings on World Tourism Day and highlighted the importance of tourism in promoting economic development, livelihoods, cultural preservation and sustainable growth.

Referring to this year’s theme, he highlighted the potential of digital technology and Artificial Intelligence to make tourism services more efficient, accessible and responsive, while enhancing the overall visitor experience. He reiterated the state government’s priority towards tourism and highlighted the development of diverse tourism experiences, including adventure, culture, wellness and experiential tourism.

The Chief Minister stressed the need to ensure that technological advancement goes hand in hand with the preservation of Sikkim’s traditions, cultural heritage and natural environment. He further acknowledged the contribution of tourism stakeholders, local communities, service providers and government agencies towards the growth of the sector.

In his video message, the Tourism Minister extended greetings to the tourism fraternity and spoke about the rapid changes brought about by technology in the way visitors discover destinations, plan journeys and experience new places.

He emphasised the need for the tourism industry to adapt to these changing patterns and make effective use of digital technology and Artificial Intelligence, while retaining the human element and distinctive hospitality associated with Sikkim.

He also highlighted the state’s growing focus on rural, spiritual, adventure and experiential tourism and called for a smart, sustainable and inclusive approach to tourism development.

Addressing the gathering, GMC Mayor Tshering Palden Bhutia congratulated the Tourism & CAv Department and emphasised the importance of collective efforts in strengthening the tourism sector.

She spoke about the need to improve visitor amenities, cleanliness, accessibility and the overall tourist experience, observing that the quality of services provided on the ground contributes significantly to visitors’ perception of Sikkim.

The Mayor particularly highlighted the role of drivers in the tourism sector, describing them as being at the core of tourism as they are often among the first points of contact for visitors and accompany tourists throughout their journeys.

She suggested that drivers and transport associations explore the possibility of developing and playing short audio messages for tourists during journeys, covering important information on tourist safety, cleanliness, responsible tourism practices and applicable rules and regulations. Such an initiative, she said, could help create greater awareness among visitors and encourage responsible behaviour.

She further called for closer coordination among government departments, local bodies and tourism stakeholders to ensure that the growth of tourism translates into better experiences for visitors as well as greater opportunities for local communities.

Chairman, STDC, Lukendra Rasaily, spoke on the changing dynamics of the tourism industry and the need for stakeholders to adapt to digitalisation.

Recalling the transition from conventional modes of communication and tourism promotion to the present digital environment, he highlighted the growing importance of websites, social media, online booking platforms and digital marketing for tourism businesses.

He encouraged hotels, homestays, travel agencies and other tourism service providers to establish a strong digital presence and make effective use of emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence.

He further drew attention to emerging trends such as online booking and dynamic pricing, while cautioning stakeholders about challenges associated with digital platforms, including cyber fraud and misuse of business identities.

He stressed that while government systems and support would continue to facilitate the sector, tourism stakeholders must also take the initiative to actively participate in the ongoing digital transformation.

Addressing the gathering, SDM, Headquarters, DAC, Gangtok, CS Limboo, spoke about the interlinkages between tourism and the functioning of various departments, observing that the Tourism Department has a close interface with almost every sector.

Describing tourism as one of the most important departments, he emphasised the need for coordinated efforts to make Sikkim more accessible and easier for tourists to visit, in line with the vision of the Chief Minister.

A key component of the programme was an elaborate presentation by the IT Cell of the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, led by Assistant Director (IT), Shrijana Pradhan, on the department’s digital transformation and the range of e-services developed to support tourists, tourism stakeholders and allied institutions.

The presentation highlighted the Sikkim Tourism portal, which brings permits, traveller information and other online services onto a common platform, and the Sikkim Darshan app, which provides visitors access to information on more than 50 destinations through multilingual audio guides, QR-code enabled information, maps and emergency contacts.

For tourism stakeholders, the presentation highlighted online registration and renewal of hotels, homestays and restaurants through SikkimGo Single Sign-On, while the Atithi Guest Information System facilitates guest record management and collection of the Tourism Sustainability Development Fund (TSDF). A geo-tagged homestay map was also highlighted as a tool to help visitors locate homestays across the state.

The presentation further outlined digital systems supporting departmental functioning, including eOffice, currently serving 349 users across 29 offices, along with the Tourism Department Management System (TDMS), Asset Management System and INSPIRES portal, aimed at facilitating paperless and transparent governance.

Digital services developed for the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Gangtok, and the Institute of Hotel and Catering Education (IHCAE), Chemchey, were also presented. These include platforms supporting learning management, online placement, alumni networking and feedback for IHM, while IHCAE’s digital initiatives include an alumni network and a multilingual feedback platform with analytics to support adventure and eco-tourism training.

The presentation also included a video showcasing the department’s digital initiatives and its broader vision of leveraging technology to promote digital, inclusive and citizen-focused tourism in line with the vision of Viksit Sikkim and Viksit Bharat 2047.

The upcoming Sikkim Adventure Tourism Fest 2026 was also highlighted during the programme, with a short promotional video showcasing activities such as paragliding, white-water rafting, trekking and mountain biking.

Scheduled from November 1 to 7, 2026, at Linkeytar (Limkhim Tar), Namthang, Namchi district, the fest will also feature local cuisine, agro-products, handlooms, handicrafts and heritage storytelling, along with yoga, Vipassana and AYUSH-based wellness activities.

The Tourism & CA Department invited visitors and adventure enthusiasts to experience the diverse tourism offerings of Sikkim through the festival.

A felicitation and award ceremony was also held to recognise contributions to tourism in Gangtok district.

Under the Tourism Innovation & Digital Transformation Award for the Best Contributor to the Tourism Sustainable Development Fund (TSDF), awards were presented to Summit Group of Hotels, Kazi Road; Lemon Tree Hotel, Lower Sichey; and The Fern Denzong Hotel & Spa, Kazi Road.

Vickey Kumar Agarwal of North Sikkim Sharing Travel LLP was recognised as the Best Performing Newly Registered Travel Agency, while Nevid Gautam of Aster Hospitality and Services, Sikkim, and member of Sikkim United Tourism Organisation (SUTO), received the award for Best Performing Travel Agency.

The award for Best Performing Tour Guide was presented to Rubina Gurung of 2nd Mile, Upper Chandmari, while Jigmee Dorjee Tamang of Upper Burtuk, Selep Tank was recognised as the Best Performing Trekking Guide and Kanchan Rai of Naitam Changthang as the Best Performing Bird Guide.

Mani Kumar Gurung, All Sikkim Luxury Vehicle Owners cum Driver Welfare Association received the award for Best Performing Sarathi, while Ms Deki Doma Bhutia, Observatory Tower at Tashi View Point, was recognised as the Best Performing Lessee of Tourism Asset.

Certificates of Appreciation were presented to 130 RCC, GREF; 129 RCC, GREF; 17th Mountain Division, Libing Helipad; Gangtok-Nathang Road Taxi Drivers’ and Owners’ Association; RN Road Taxi Drivers’ and Owners’ Association, Rongli; and Main Line Taxi Owners cum Drivers’ Joint Action Committee, Gangtok, in recognition of their valuable contributions towards tourist safety, welfare and facilitation during challenging situations.

The recognition acknowledged the GREF and Army units for their operational support, including road clearance and assistance during emergencies, while the taxi associations were recognised for their support in facilitating and assisting tourists, particularly during disruptions and difficult travel conditions.

The celebration concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by Assistant Director, Tourism & CA Department, Vijeta Chettri.

Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by Joint Director, Tourism & CA Department, Nirmal Cintury.