Gangtok, August 26 (IPR): A stakeholders consultation meeting to discuss and finalise arrangements for the upcoming Sikkim Adventure Tourism Fest 2026 was held today under the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Government of Sikkim.
The meeting was launched in the presence of the Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation and Commerce & Industries Department, Government of Sikkim, Mr Tshering Thendup Bhutia, MLA–cum–Advisor, Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Mr Sudesh Kumar Subba, Commissioner cum Secretary Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Mr Raj Yadav, Chairperson STDC Mr Lukendra Rasaily, Chairperson Tourism Mr Sonam Norgay Lachungpa, Joint Secretary Planning & Development (Sikkim Inspires) Mr Abhijit Patil, officials of the department and representatives of various tourism stakeholders.
Addressing the gathering, Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation and Commerce & Industries Department, Mr Tshering Thendup Bhutia, underscored the importance of coordinated efforts among all stakeholders for the successful organisation of Tourism Fest 2026. He called for effective coordination, preparedness and timely execution of responsibilities to ensure a well-managed event. The Minister while welcoming the stakeholders and highlighted the significance of the Sikkim Adventure Festival 2026, scheduled from November 1 to 7 at Linkeytar, Namthang. He said the festival was conceived to promote Sikkim’s adventure tourism potential while creating greater livelihood opportunities for local communities.
The Minister said tourism remains a key pillar of Sikkim’s economy, with communities ranging from hoteliers and homestay operators to farmers, artisans and local entrepreneurs closely connected to the tourism ecosystem. He emphasised the need to diversify tourism through nature, culture, heritage, local cuisine, wellness and adventure experiences.
He stated that the festival would seek to integrate all six districts and connect the State’s constituencies through activities such as paragliding, river rafting, mountain biking, trekking and motor rallies, converging at Linkeytar as the central venue. He added that local homestays and nearby tourism circuits would also be incorporated alongside tented accommodation.
The Minister stressed that safety, sanitation, drinking water, site management and local coordination would be given priority, with detailed site inspections and consultations with local administration, tourism stakeholders and adventure operators being undertaken.
He further highlighted the festival’s alignment with the Chief Minister’s “One Family, One Entrepreneur” vision, stating that adventure tourism could provide direct livelihood opportunities for educated youth and women through skill development, entrepreneurship and digital promotion under initiatives such as Sikkim INSPIRES.
The festival will also feature local cuisine, agro-products, handlooms and handicrafts, along with heritage storytelling and wellness activities including yoga, Vipassana and AYUSH-based practices. The Minister said the objective was to showcase Sikkim’s natural and cultural strengths while ensuring that local communities benefit directly from tourism.
Calling for active participation from all stakeholders, he emphasised that the successful implementation of the initiative by the Tourism Department would also require the support and cooperation of tourism organisations, local communities, operators and other partners, and called for constructive suggestions during the planning process.
He expressed confidence that with collective ownership, the festival could develop into a major annual event on Sikkim’s tourism calendar.
Earlier the meeting commenced with the welcome address by Secretary, Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Ms Hondala Gyaltsen, followed by an overview of Tourism Fest 2026 presented by the Principal-cum-Joint Director, IHCAE Mr Kazi Sherpa. He presented a comprehensive promotion plan, content pillar strategy and media and public relations framework. The festival is expected to strengthen Sikkim’s adventure tourism profile by diversifying its tourism offerings and promoting lesser-known destinations through trekking, paragliding, rafting, mountain biking and other outdoor activities. It will also provide an opportunity to showcase the State’s pristine Himalayan landscapes, remote villages and natural heritage while encouraging visitors to explore destinations beyond the established tourist circuits.
Detailed discussions were held on venue management and event management, with emphasis on logistical support from line departments. The meeting also discussed the distribution of slots to various stakeholders through their respective associations and committees, with a view to ensuring systematic participation and smooth conduct of the fest.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr Manoj Chettri Deputy Director (T&CA).
Report from DIO-GANGTOK