Gangtok: From March 22 to 25, 2025, Uttarey in West Sikkim will become the epicenter of rural tourism as it hosts the Sikkim Rural Tourism Meet (SRTM) 2025. Organized by Sikkim Tourism, the event aims to propel sustainable tourism, empower local businesses, and celebrate the region’s rich cultural heritage.
The meet will gather tourism stakeholders, policymakers, travel enthusiasts, and local communities, fostering a collaborative environment for rural tourism and economic development.
The event will commence with participants arriving at Bagdogra Airport on March 22, where they will be welcomed with traditional Sikkimese hospitality. They will then journey to Rholu in South Sikkim for a lunch featuring authentic local cuisine at a Wayside Tourism Amenity. The day will culminate in guests settling into rural homestays, offering an immersive experience into Sikkimese traditions and customs.
On March 23, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim will inaugurate the meet at Uttarey, West Sikkim. The day’s agenda includes a B2B meeting, facilitating partnerships and investment opportunities for local tourism stakeholders. The Chief Minister will also explore community stalls showcasing Sikkimese handicrafts, handloom products, and organic food items, presented by local artisans, farmers, and entrepreneurs. A cultural program will feature traditional music, folk dances, and storytelling sessions, providing insights into Sikkim’s heritage. The day will conclude with a community dinner, promoting cultural exchange.
March 24 will focus on adventure tourism, cultural exploration, and business networking. The day begins with a meet-and-greet with the Hon’ble Area MLA, followed by various activities tailored to visitor interests. These include cultural and heritage tours involving village and handloom experiences, adventure tourism options like the Chewabhanjang Day Trek, Phoktey Dara viewpoint visits, bird watching, mountain biking, paragliding, and hot air balloon rides, and eco and farm tourism experiences such as sheep farm visits, traditional fishing demonstrations, and monastery tours.
The event will conclude with a closing ceremony featuring cultural performances, including a traditional dance showcase and a musical presentation by Sofiyum, a renowned Lepcha traditional band. Officials from the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department (TCAD) will address the gathering, emphasizing the importance of rural tourism in Sikkim’s development. On March 25, guests will depart from Bagdogra Airport, carrying memories of their enriching experience.
The Sikkim Rural Tourism Meet 2025 intends to leave a lasting impact by promoting knowledge sharing, capacity building, networking, and policy advocacy. The event will support rural homestays, traditional crafts, and eco-tourism initiatives, thus strengthening local economies and creating employment opportunities. Government initiatives like ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ and rural tourism cluster development will further elevate the visibility of Sikkim’s hidden gems, integrating them into mainstream travel itineraries. Industry partnerships, educational collaborations, and strategic marketing will be pivotal in ensuring the growth of sustainable rural tourism.
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