Free Protected Area Permits (PAPs) of various tourist areas for Namchi District officially launched

Namchi, September 24 (IPR): Ms Anjeeta Rai, Zilla Adhakshya(Namchi) officially launched the free Protected Area Permits (PAPs) of various tourist areas for Namchi District at a local hotel in Namchi, today.
Under the direction of the Chief Minister of Sikkim Mr Prem Singh Tamang, a total of 50 free PAPs will be issued for Nathula and North Sikkim circuit for the tourism stakeholders of Namchi District. The Department of Tourism shall cater the permits to the tourists who stay for at least one night in registered hotels or homestays within the district.
The launch of the permits was held in a programme of the Pre-World Tourism Day Celebration and B2B meet organised by Namchi Tourism Development Co-operative Society(NTDCS). Present during the programme were Mrs Tshering Dem Bhutia former Zilla Adhakshya, Mr Nim Pintso Bhutia, SDM HQ; Ms Lamim Theengh, Deputy Director of Tourism; Mr Sachin Sharma, President NTDCS; Mr PK Rai, President Hotel Association Namchi(HAN), and the members of NTDCS, HAN and stakeholders of homestays of Namchi district.
Addressing the gathering, Ms Anjeeta Rai Zilla Adkhaksya extended her greetings on the celebration of Pre-World Tourism Day. She congratulated the tourism stakeholders for the historic decision of the state government under the leadership of the Chief Minister of Sikkim for listening to public demands to ease their concerns and problems. She said that such policy will enhance the tourism activities in the relatively less-explored areas and aid in boosting the rural economy. She also briefed about various tourism induced in culture, tradition, agri-based, adventure and many more, which the stakeholders can offer to engage tourists to lengthen their stay.
Ms Lamin Theengh Deputy Director spoke about the category of permits relating to tourists issued by the Department of Tourism. She informed that the process for free permits for protected area should be submitted two or three days in advance to ensure quick service. She further stated that the permits will be available at the District Tourist Information Centre and should be obtained through local travel agents.
Mr Sachin Sharma President NTDCS spoke about the the scope of tourism in the district. He informed about the marketing of tourist attractions for increase of tourist footfall and encouraged to work collectively towards developing a tourism circuit.
Mr PK Rai President HAN spoke about the problems facing in bringing tourists to Namchi which he asked for their collaboration.
During the programme, a video brochure of the tourist attractions located in and around Namchi district was also premiered.
The programme also saw felicitation of the entrepreneurs who have significantly contributed to the tourism sector by the chief guest.