On World Tourism Day, Sikkim pledges resilient and responsible tourism

Tourism has long been one of the key pillars of our economy, contributing not only to revenue and employment but also to strengthening our identity as a proud Himalayan state,” said Tshering T Bhutia, minister for tourism and civil aviation, Sikkim government, in his World Tourism Day message on Friday.

“Blessed with unparalleled natural beauty, rich traditions and vibrant cultural diversity, Sikkim stands as a beacon of harmony between people and nature. It is our collective responsibility to safeguard these treasures while building a resilient tourism sector that benefits all,” Mr Bhutia said.

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Extending warm greetings and best wishes to the people of Sikkim, tourism stakeholders and the global travel community, the minister said this year’s theme, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” holds deep significance for a state where nature, culture and community are interwoven.

Bhutia stressed that under the leadership of chief minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay, the Sikkim government is firmly committed to advancing responsible and sustainable tourism practices. He highlighted initiatives such as ‘Sikkim INSPIRES’ (Integrated Service Provision and Innovation for Reviving Economies), which are helping transform the state into a globally admired tourism destination by balancing development with ecological responsibility.

“Our focus is on empowering local communities, supporting eco-friendly initiatives, enhancing connectivity and ensuring that the benefits of tourism reach every household,” he said.

As Sikkim celebrated World Tourism Day, the minister called on all stakeholders to pledge to make tourism “a true instrument of sustainable transformation,” creating meaningful opportunities while safeguarding the treasures that make the state unique. “Together, let us work towards a greener, more resilient and more inclusive future for Sikkim and beyond,” he added.