Northeast Desk, 27th April: Sikkim is experiencing an extraordinary surge in tourist arrivals in 2024, with official data from the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department revealing that the state welcomed a remarkable 2,90,401 tourists in the first quarter of the year, up until March 31, 2024. Among them, 2,56,537 were domestic tourists, while 30,864 arrived from foreign countries.
This surge comes as a promising rebound for Sikkim’s hospitality sector, which suffered a severe blow from the devastating Glacier Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in October 2023. The calamity, particularly affecting the northern part of the state, claimed 43 lives with over 70 individuals still reported missing. Consequently, the tourist influx during the second tourist season experienced a significant decline. However, the early trend in 2024 indicates a robust recovery, positioning Sikkim to reclaim its status as a premier tourist destination.
Driving this resurgence is a dedicated workforce of over two to three lakh individuals directly or indirectly associated with the tourism industry. These include hoteliers, tour operators, taxi drivers, guides, and various other stakeholders who form the backbone of Sikkim’s tourism sector.
The economic impact of tourism on the state is substantial, with the industry estimated to have generated over 500 crores in revenue prior to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. As tourist numbers continue to climb, this figure is expected to witness a significant increase, providing a much-needed boost to the local economy.
Supporting this tourism boom is Sikkim’s robust infrastructure, boasting 1,725 travel agencies and accommodations offering a total of 38,208 beds to accommodate visitors. The transportation sector, crucial for tourism, comprises 2,206 registered luxury vehicles, 6,200 normal taxis, and 12,232 smaller cabs. Additionally, guides and other minor bed and breakfast establishments contribute to the seamless facilitation of tourist activities across the state.
Historical data indicates a steady upward trajectory in tourist arrivals over the past decade, from 576,749 visitors in 2013 to a peak of 1,625,573 in 2023. With a promising start in 2024, projections suggest a potential milestone of 1.2 million tourists by year-end if the current growth rate persists.
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