Gangtok, Jun 24: A delegation of the Sikkim unit of the BJP on Wednesday met Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in New Delhi and sought enhanced support from the Centre to further strengthen the state’s tourism sector.
The delegation, led by state BJP president DR Thapa, held detailed discussions with the Union Minister on the growing prospects and emerging opportunities in Sikkim’s tourism industry, according to a party statement.
During the meeting, the BJP leaders highlighted what they described as the positive impact of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Sikkim, stating that it had significantly enhanced the state’s visibility as a tourist destination.
The delegation informed the minister that Sikkim is witnessing a record influx of tourists this season, reflecting increasing interest among both domestic and international travellers.
Emphasising the sector’s importance to the state’s economy, Thapa told Shekhawat that tourism remains one of the largest sources of livelihood for the people of Sikkim.
The BJP team urged the Ministry of Tourism to provide greater assistance for the development of tourism infrastructure, promotion of new destinations, improvement of visitor amenities and implementation of sustainable tourism initiatives.
“The delegation requested the Ministry to formulate forward-looking strategies and extend enhanced support to strengthen Sikkim’s tourism ecosystem so that the state can effectively attract, accommodate and manage a growing number of visitors in the years ahead,” the statement read.
The Union Minister, according to the release, appreciated Sikkim’s vast tourism potential and assured the delegation of the Centre’s continued support for initiatives aimed at promoting tourism and improving tourism-related infrastructure in the Himalayan state.
