Gangtok: Sikkim’s tourism industry has demonstrated a remarkable resurgence, welcoming a total of 162,553 foreign tourists in the years 2022 and 2023, marking a significant recovery following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The data, provided by the Union Tourism Minister, reveals a substantial increase in international arrivals, highlighting the state’s growing appeal to global travelers.
In 2022, Sikkim received 68,645 foreign tourists, a figure that then soared to 93,908 in 2023, according to information shared by the Union Tourism Minister in response to a parliamentary query from Sikkim Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba. This surge underlines the state’s successful efforts in revitalizing its tourism sector after the pandemic-induced slowdown. The figures were part of a larger report detailing post-COVID foreign tourist visits to India, presented in Parliament on March 10th.
Sikkim has emerged as the leading destination for international tourists among the eight Northeastern states for both 2022 and 2023, as per the Union Tourism Minister’s written reply. Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba emphasized that this achievement reflects the state’s rising popularity on the global tourism map, attributing the success to the proactive initiatives of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay in reviving the sector.
“The official figures of international visitors to Sikkim record that our State’s tourism sector has made an expeditious recovery immediately after the Covid pandemic eased,” stated Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba. “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 the Travel Agents Association of Sikkim, played a significant role in this successful revival.”
Indra Hang Subba reiterated that the Sikkim government, under Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay, has prioritized strengthening the tourism sector, which provides livelihoods to 18% of the state’s population. This commitment is evident in the 2024-25 state budget, which focuses on boosting tourism through innovative projects and a robust road network.
As the summer tourism season approaches, the Sikkim government is actively engaging in high-level discussions with Union ministries and central agencies to ensure smooth air and road connectivity, particularly concerning Pakyong Airport and National Highway 10, to maximize tourist arrivals. Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba recently met with the Union Civil Aviation Minister and National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) officials to address these connectivity issues.