The tourists are back in Sikkim. Covid 19 emergence and two subsequent lockdowns could not dampen the spirits of the nature-loving travel enthusiasts who are flocking to this small Himalayan state. The month of October alone saw around 80,000 tourists visiting Sikkim. The numbers started swelling after 5 October this year when all restrictions on inter-state movement were lifted, and because it was also festival season with Durga Puja, Dussehra and Diwali lined up.
Speaking exclusively to Indian Masterminds, Sikkim’s Additional Secretary cum Director of Tourism and Civil Aviation, IAS Kapil Meena said that although tourism was hit after the first wave of Covid, it picked up after the second wave, and there has been a steady flow of tourists since then with approximately 5000 tourists entering the state every day.
LOCKDOWN AFFECTED TOURISM
The nationwide first lockdown had adverse effects on the tourism sector in Sikkim as, in the absence of any major private sector and other economic opportunities, tourism forms a vital part of economic development in the state.
“Sikkim is a small state whose 30% population is directly or indirectly involved in the tourism sector. The tourism sector of Sikkim has seen substantial growth over the last decade and Sikkim is one of the most preferred destinations, especially in Northeast India,” Mr. Kapil Meena said.
BOLD DECISION TO UNLOCK
The IAS officer outlined how a bold step was taken by the Sikkim government for progressive unlocking of tourism sector in the state when Covid cases were still coming after the first wave.
“After series of deliberations with various stakeholders,the tourism department came up with a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for unlocking of the tourism industry with effect from 10 October 2020. When the unlock 1.0 began, Sikkim was the first northeastern state to do so. Few tourists started coming even amidst the strict restrictions over entry. Full cooperation was received from the stakeholders who ensured that the existing Covid 19 guidelines were not violated by anyone.”
TOURISTS ENTRY ALLOWED
Mr. Kapil Meena said that during the progressive unlocking of tourism, the department along with other law enforcement agencies ensured that tourists entered the state duly following the Covid guidelines and no exceptions were there in this regard. The number of tourists slowly increased towards the end of 2020 and the beginning of 2021 with easing of restrictions. Again, full lockdowns were imposed in the state intermittently, especially during the second wave of pandemic in the months of April, May and June this year.
“Tourists’ entry was only allowed from mid-July onwards with restrictions again with the onset of monsoons. But the numbers were encouraging even during the monsoons and fortunately no major cases of Covid 19 were reported from the tourists during this entire duration.”
COVID PROTOCOLS FOLLOWED
He also informed that Covid protocols were strictly followed during the lockdown and restricted periods by all stakeholders as well as the tourists. Strict action was taken by the tourism department and police authorities in case of any violation. Awareness campaign was run wherein relevant information was distributed through leaflets, banners etc for tourists. Also, the tourism department developed a web portal which aims to provide online services in getting permits and permissions. A unique feature of ‘Online Tourist Travel Card’ was introduced in the time of the first unlocking in Oct 2020.
“As per the rule, every tourist was required to apply for a travel card giving all details of travellers, itinerary and their full travel plan with contact numbers and photograph which helped us in monitoring tourists’ movement. Those tourists without a travel card generated from our web portal were not allowed to enter from the checkpoints.”
POST PANDEMIC FOCUS ON HOMESTAYS
The officer said that the USP of Sikkim tourism has always been the peace and tranquility in the state, beautiful nature, and the hospitality of the people. Major tourist attraction are viewpoints around Gangtok, Buddha Park of Ravangla, Cherinzey Statue in Pelling, Gurudongmar Lake, Lachen, Lachung, Nathula Pass, Char Dham in Namchi, etc.
“No disturbances of any kind along with the diverse climatic variations which exist in the state is unique. Tourism department has developed a large number of assets all over the state which have been leased out to local people for running tourists-related facilities. Focus shall now be on developing tourist circuits, cluster of homestays and to attract quality tourism instead of quantity.”
The number of tourist arrivals since 10 October 2020 till date has been nearly 3 lakhs, including international tourists. With the airport fully operational now and daily flights available for Delhi and Kolkata, and a regular flight to Guwahati starting soon from Pakyong Airport, the number is expected to rise even further.
