Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation hosts inagural and outreach for Sikkim INSPIRES Quarter-III

Namchi, 11th December (IPR) – The Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation hosted an inaugural and outreach programme for the Sikkim Integrated Service Provision and Innovation for Reviving Economies (INSPIRES) Quarter-III today.
Launched in 2024, the Sikkim INSPIRES initiative is set to run until 2029. The core objective of this programme is to provide an Adventure Skill Training Program aimed at boosting the local economy by enhancing employment opportunities, particularly for youth and women in Sikkim.
The programme was conducted at the Indian Himalayan Centre for Adventure and Eco-Tourism (IHCAE) in Chemchay.
The event was graced by Mr Tshering Thendup Bhutia Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, as the Chief Guest.
He was accompanied by Mr Neeraj Pradhan Principal Chief Engineer (T&CAv)/Nodal Officer (Sikkim INSPIRES),
Mr Kazi Sherpa Joint Director (Adventure)/Principal (IHCAE), Mr Rajiv Rai Administrator (IHCAE), Ms Lamin Theengh Deputy Director (T&CAv), Mr Manoj Chettri, Deputy Director (Adventure),
Presidents from various tourism stakeholder associations such as TAAS, SUTO, and YTDC, Resource persons for the course, along with IHCAE and TIC officials.
Mr Tshering Thendup Bhutia delivered a comprehensive overview of the Sikkim INSPIRES programme.
He emphasised the programme’s primary goal to foster economic prosperity by creating diverse employment opportunities.
He encouraged trainees to make the most of the scheme and to help promote Sikkim’s natural beauty and tourism potential. He also announced the introduction of new training courses to the INSPIRES catalogue, including:
Bungee Master Course
Ultra-Light Pilot Training
Ham Radio Training
Culture Guide Training
Mountain Guide Training
Bird Watching Guide Training
Liaison Officer Training
Mr Neeraj Pradhan further motivated the trainees by acknowledging that while some courses last only 15 days, this will not be the limit. He assured that more advanced courses would be introduced in the future and highlighted the importance of active engagement from the trainees with their instructors.
Mr Kazi Sherpa elaborated on the selection of courses based on Sikkim’s potential. Over the five-year span of the Sikkim INSPIRES initiative, 72 batches will be trained, benefiting around 2,500 local youth. The programme offers 20 adventure courses, and the commencement of Quarter-III courses was marked by the following:
Tour/Travel Operator Training (15 days)
Trekking Cook (15 days)
Trekking Guide (44 days, conducted in two phases)
Bird Watching Guide (30 days, conducted in two phases)
Following the event, Mr Tshering Thendup Bhutia, accompanied by other senior officials, visited the IHCAE central store. They took inventory of the adventure equipment for various activities, including land, water, and air-based adventures, ensuring all resources are in place for the upcoming training modules.