SIkkim, India: The latest region to add carnivals to promote travel and tourism

Sikkim’s Tourism Minister Bhim Dhungel said the state government of this mystical Indian State has spent around Rs.1 crore to organise a winter carnival.

Sikkim’s Tourism Minister Bhim Dhungel said the state government of this mystical Indian State has spent around Rs.1 crore to organise a winter carnival. This event is to mark Christmas and New Years and will be celebrated December 22-24. The tourism ministry along with various tourism and travel associations in India support this carnival and hope this will attract more visitors to this mountainous border state.

“This year, the focus of the winter carnival will be on promoting traditional culture, cuisine and organic products,” Dhungel told IANS here, adding that the beauty of the state’s mountains and its ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture will be showcased.

In recent times, the state – which is one of India’s smallest states with a population of just over 500,000 people – has been seeing a sharp rise in tourist inflow. The state government estimates that about a million tourists are expected to visit Sikkim during 2013, an increase from the seven lakh visitors of last year.

The state government is also trying to attract tourists through other activities such as adventure sports, traditional handicrafts, horticulture, floriculture and organic products.

The state government targets a revenue collection of Rs.1,500 crore per annum by 2020, by attracting 100,000 international tourists and two million domestic visitors.

Currently, domestic tourists from West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra have been flocking to the hill state. International tourists have been arriving from Japan, Europe and England.

Apart from the ancient culture of the state, this year visitors will also get a chance to experience unique music performances by prominent local artistes. Tourists will also be able to taste the gastronomic delights of Sikkim, prepared by local chefs.

The state government said hotels and restaurants have made special arrangements for vegetarians and are geared to meet the dietary needs of guests.

About the author

Avatar of Linda Hohnholz

Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

Share to...