Sikkim celebrates world tourism day

Gangtok, Sep 27 (UNI) World Tourism day should be celebrated in the village and district levels to create awareness about the tourism sector among the rural folk, Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation Chairperson Manita Mangar said here today.

Addressing a function organised by the state tourism department to celebrate the World Tourism Day, Ms Mangar said people in rural areas had not yet been able to realise the importance of Tourism sector and hoped that functions like world Tourism day would help educate them.

She said the people of Sikkim should emulate European countries like Switzerland to promote tourism and strengthen the economy.

Ms Mangar said promotion of tourism was the top priority of the present government led by Pawan Chamling. The state government had recently launched skill development programmes in different aspects of tourism and the youths should take advantage of it.

State Tourism Secrtary A Srivastav said India had already emerged as one of the most favoured tourist destinations of the world and secured the fourth position after Italy, New Zealand and Australia.

In Sikkim the tourism flow had also registed a 15 per cent growth. But the state would promote tourism keeping in view its carrying capacity and without compromising on its culture and environment.

Mr Srivastav said the department also planned to organise World tourism day functions in Rangpo, Siliguri, Darjeeling and Namchi in the coming days to promote tourism.

On this occasion the state government also honoured Sikkim Association of Adventure Tour Operators and Sikkim Tours and Travel Association for their rich contribution for the growth of tourism and awarded the winning students of slogan and painting competition organised by the department.

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