Tourism and Civil Aviation Department Conducts Entry-Level Workshop on Community-Based Tourism (CBT)

This workshop aimed to engage local stakeholders in the development of tourism, focusing on the need for assessment, tourism training programmes, and familiarisation (FAM) tours to strengthen tourism in the region.

The core objective of the workshop was to focus on the key elements essential for enhancing tourism in Sikkim. This included:

1.Need Assessment to identify tourism requirements.

2.Organising Tourism Training Programs to equip locals with the skills required.

3.Conducting FAM Tours to familiarise stakeholders with potential tourism opportunities.

• The workshop was graced by the presence of the Honourable MLA of 11-Namchi Singithang, Mr Satish Chandra Rai, as the Chief Guest and Zilla Adhakshya, Ms Anjeeta Rajalim as Special guest.

Also present during the event were ADC Namchi Mr Subash Ghimirey, ADC Development Dr C P Rai, SDM HQ Mr Nim Pintso Bhutia, BDO Namchi Mr Upendra Rai And other esteemed guests from various sectors.

The workshop commenced with the ceremonial offering of Khadas to the distinguished guests by Mr. Sunil Lama, Chief Coordinator. This marked the beginning of an insightful session aimed at boosting community involvement in tourism.

Mr Satish Chandra Rai MLA Namchi-Singhithang, during his address shared valuable insights and future plans for Namchi area, particularly emphasising the importance of cleanliness, preservation and promotion of local culture and traditions, promotion of CBT and heritage tourism.

Further, he assured the attendees of his full support in ensuring the success of the Sikkim Inspires initiative in Namchi.

A presentation on Community-Based Tourism was delivered by Ms Lamin Theengh Deputy Director of the Tourism & Civil Aviation Department. She discussed the meaning, key features, and significance of CBT, particularly in rural Sikkim, while also highlighting the challenges that come with it.

Additionally Mr T T Sherpa, a local stakeholder, shared his perspectives and experiences on CBT in the region.

During the event, the chief guest Mr Satish Chandra Rai, was felicitated by the Organising Committee.

One of the highlights of the workshop was the Participatory Rapid Appraisal (PRA) exercise, led by Dr. Jigme Namgyal (Ph.D. in Tourism), along with a team of experts.

This exercise consisted of the following activities:

1.Tourism Resource Mapping (Existing & Potential) – Led by Ms Kesang Lhamu Bhutia (NET)

2.Tourism Development & History of the Area (Timelines) – Led by Ms Pandhi Ongmu (NET, HOD, Department of Tourism, NBB Government College, Gangtok)

3.Seasonal Mapping – Led by Ms Kalzang Diki Bhutia (NET)

4.Training Calendar – Led by Mr Nevid Gautam

5.SWOT Analysis – Led by Mr Sonam Gyamtso Bhutia (NET-SRF)

6. Institutional Venn Diagram – Led by Mr Sonam Lepcha

7.Transit Walk Map – Led by Dr. Jigme Namgyal Bhutia

The workshop concluded with a summary of the PRA exercise by the participating groups.

Following the discussions, a field visit was organised to the tourism hotspots identified during the PRA exercise, with local guides offering in-depth insights into the sites.

The event successfully brought together local stakeholders, government representatives, and tourism experts, paving the way for collaborative efforts towards sustainable tourism development in Sikkim.