TBM Staff - Mumbai
Sikkim is experiencing an unprecedented surge in tourist arrivals in 2024. According to official data released by the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Sikkim has welcomed an astonishing 290,401 tourists in the first quarter of the year, up to March 31, 2024. Among these, 256,537 were domestic tourists, while 30,864 arrived from foreign countries.
This surge in tourism signals a promising revival for Sikkim’s hospitality sector, which suffered a severe blow from the devastating Glacier Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in October 2023. The calamity, particularly impacting the northern part of the state, resulted in the loss of 43 lives, with over 70 individuals still reported missing. Consequently, the tourist influx during the second tourist season experienced a significant decline. However, with the current early trend indicating a robust recovery, Sikkim is poised to reclaim its status as a premier tourist destination.
Behind this resurgence lies a dedicated workforce of over 250,000 to 300,000 individuals directly or indirectly associated with the tourism industry. This includes hoteliers, tour operators, taxi drivers, guides, and numerous other stakeholders who serve as the backbone of Sikkim’s tourism sector.
The economic impact of tourism on the state is significant, with the industry estimated to have generated over 500 crores in revenue before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. As tourist numbers continue to rise, this figure is expected to witness a substantial increase, providing a much-needed boost to the local economy.
Looking at the infrastructure supporting this tourism boom, Sikkim boasts a robust network of 1,725 travel agencies and accommodations offering a total of 38,208 beds to accommodate the influx of visitors. The transportation sector, a vital component of the tourism machinery, comprises 2,206 registered luxury vehicles alongside 6,200 normal taxis and 12,232 smaller cabs. Additionally, there are guides and other minor bed and breakfast establishments collectively contributing to the seamless facilitation of tourist activities across the state.
A glance at historical data reveals a steady upward trajectory in tourist arrivals over the past decade. From a modest figure of 576,749 visitors in 2013, the numbers have witnessed a remarkable surge, reaching a peak of 1,625,573 in 2023. The year 2024, with its promising start, is on track to surpass previous records, with projections indicating a potential milestone of 1.2 million tourists by year-end if the current growth rate persists.
