New Delhi, 22nd November (IPR): Sikkim garnered significant national recognition at the Outlook Traveller Awards 2025, held at the Hyatt Regency in New Delhi, where the state’s sustainable and community-driven tourism initiatives were presented as an exemplary model for the nation.
The state's excellence was further cemented by winning the Gold award for 'Best Trekking Circuit in India' for the renowned Goecha La–Dzongri Circuit.
Representing Sikkim at the ceremony, Shri T. T. Bhutia, Hon’ble Minister of the Tourism & Civil Aviation Department, elaborated on the state’s ongoing efforts to enhance its tourism sector through diverse offerings. These include heritage circuits, spiritual and battlefield tourism, adventure activities, and eco-friendly rural experiences. He further emphasised the State Government’s commitment to improving connectivity, noting that while the infrastructure at Pakyong Airport is complete, flight operations are yet to recommence. In the interim, the M172 helicopter service between Bagdogra and Gangtok continues to facilitate the movement of visitors.
The Hon’ble Minister also addressed the recurring challenges posed by landslides along NH-10, advocating for coordinated intervention with Central agencies to expedite the development of safer alternative routes.
HoDs and representatives from Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Information and Public Relations Department, and other related Departments were also present at the function.
A dedicated panel discussion, titled “Beyond the Stay: What Community Tourism Really Looks Like in Sikkim,” featured representatives from the Rinchenpong Tourism Development Committee and the Soreng Tourism Development Association. The session highlighted successful community-led initiatives, including a booking web application that directly connects tourists with homestays and local guides, handicraft kiosks attached to homestays to support local artisans, the tourist police initiative aimed at enhancing safety for women and solo travellers, and the growing adventure tourism activities in Soreng district, such as paragliding and bouldering.
The Outlook Traveller Awards placed a strong emphasis on responsible and sustainable tourism practices. Sikkim was acknowledged as one of the leading states championing green, community-oriented tourism, a recognition that reinforces the State Government’s long-standing dedication to balancing development with ecological preservation.
The Government of Sikkim welcomes this accolade as a testament to its sustained commitment to a vision of tourism that is clean, community-based, and culturally rooted, a model that strengthens local livelihoods while safeguarding the fragile Himalayan environment.
Report from DIO-GANGTOK