Rabong, Sikkim – In a move signaling its growing prominence in the state’s tourism sector, Rabong successfully hosted a significant B2B Meet and Familiarization (FAM) Tour on April 13th. The event was an integral part of the ongoing Discover Rabong – 8th Cho-Dzo Festival 2025.
The initiative was a collaborative effort between the Ravangla Tourism Development Committee (RTDC) and the Tourism & Civil Aviation Department of the Government of Sikkim, underscoring a unified approach towards tourism development in the region.
The event witnessed the esteemed presence of Riksal Dorjee Bhutia, the MLA of the 09-Barfung Constituency and Patron of the Cho Dzo Festival Organising Committee, who graced the occasion as the chief guest. In his address, Bhutia reiterated Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang’s vision to establish Rabong as a leading tourism destination, emphasizing its natural beauty, rich culture, and improving infrastructure as key attractions for both domestic and international visitors.
Senior officials from the Tourism & Civil Aviation Department, including the Deputy Director (Adventure), actively participated alongside representatives from prominent tourism bodies such as the Association of Buddhist Tour Operators (ABTO), the Eastern Himalayan Travel & Tour Operators Association (EHTTOA), and the Himalayan Hospitality & Tourism Development Network (HHTDN). The event also garnered significant participation from various tourism stakeholders and associations across Sikkim.
The B2B meet served as a dynamic forum for interaction and collaboration among tourism professionals, fostering new business connections and opportunities. Following the meet, delegates embarked on a familiarization tour, experiencing firsthand the key tourist attractions in and around Rabong. The tour, encompassing scenic vistas, spiritual sites, and cultural landmarks, left a lasting positive impression on the attendees.
A notable outcome of the event was the commitment from several tourism organizations to actively promote Rabong as a crucial destination in their future travel itineraries. In a significant development, ABTO expressed a strong interest in hosting the esteemed International Buddhist Travel Mart (IBTM) in Rabong, a move that is anticipated to significantly elevate the region’s profile in the global tourism market.