Gangtok: A significant development in Sikkim’s tourism sector has unfolded with the inauguration of a permit office in Rongli, enabling tourists and travel agencies to secure permits for Nathula directly from the location.
The new office, established within the Panchayat office at Kishan Bazar, Rongli, was officially opened by Tourism Minister Tshering Thendup Bhutia and Agriculture Minister Puran Kumar Gurung.
This initiative is designed to simplify the permit acquisition process, thereby boosting local tourism and making the region more accessible to visitors.
This move aligns with the state government’s strategic focus on decentralizing permit issuance, aiming to alleviate travel complexities and enhance accessibility for tourists. The office will also facilitate the issuance of permits for motorcycles traveling along the same route.
Officials anticipate that this streamlining will significantly improve the overall tourism experience, reduce travel-related hurdles, and stimulate the local economy by attracting a larger influx of tourists. The office is now operational, accepting applications for domestic tourist permits during regular working hours.
During the inauguration ceremony, Tourism Minister Bhutia hailed the initiative as a pivotal step in strengthening Sikkim’s tourism infrastructure. He reiterated the government’s dedication to promoting rural tourism and announced plans to establish Tourist Information Centres (TICs) across six districts.
These centres will offer guidance and support to travelers, further enhancing their journey. Bhutia also underscored the vital role of tourism in bolstering Sikkim’s economy and encouraged stakeholders to expand their service offerings. He highlighted ongoing projects under the Sikkim Integrated Service Provision and Innovation for Reviving Economies (INSPIRES) initiative and announced upcoming training programs for individuals interested in pursuing careers within the tourism sector.
Agriculture Minister Gurung emphasized the crucial role of rural homestays in driving economic growth within local communities. He urged tourism operators to strictly adhere to tax regulations and promote responsible tourism practices to maintain Sikkim’s distinguished reputation as a premier travel destination. CS Rao, Principal Secretary of the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, officially announced the commencement of Nathula permit issuance from Rongli, a development expected to significantly enhance tourist access to the region. He also clarified the purpose and exemptions of the Tourism Sustainable Development Fee.
Additional Director of Tourism, Tenzing Gelay, reinforced the government’s commitment to grassroots governance and encouraged tourism stakeholders to collaborate in maximizing Sikkim’s tourism potential. The event concluded with an open forum, providing tourism operators and other stakeholders an opportunity to voice their concerns and offer suggestions for improving tourism policies and permit-related services. Key government officials, including Rongli SDM NB Biswakarma, DSP Dawa L Pakhrin of the 3rd Mile Police Checkpost, and Deputy Directors Sonam Rinchen Bhutia and Sushma Pradhan from the Tourism Department, were present at the inauguration. Representatives from various government departments and the tourism sector also attended, signifying a collective effort to fortify Sikkim’s tourism industry.
Read More: Meghalaya: Airport Employee Critically Injured in Early Morning Assault Near Umroi