Tourists visiting Sikkim increased by 77% to 14.25L in 2017
Tourists visiting the northeastern state of Sikkim shot up by nearly 77% to 14.25L during 2017. As many as 8.06L tourists visited the Himalayan state in 2016. "Tourist footfall could have been a few lakh more if the strike in Darjeeling Hills for more than 100 days between June and September last year (had) not spoiled the festival mood," an official said. Here's more.
Strike led to decline of tourist almost by 90%
Tourists mostly reach Gangtok from Siliguri. Commuting between the two places became difficult during the 104-day strike in Darjeeling Hills. The monthly tourist footfall declined by almost 90% with only 15,350 visitors in July followed by 17,723 in August last year. Once the strike was called off in late September last year, the tourist inflow in Sikkim increased sharply, the official said.
Sikkim witnessed 11.44L tourists during first six-months of 2017
However, it was first six-months of 2017 which cheered various stakeholders of tourism industry with a record 11.44L domestic tourist and 30,740 foreign tourists visiting pristine Himalayan state. "It was an unprecedented business opportunity for us. It has been steady business in the first four months of this year as far as the tourism industry is concerned," a tour and travel agency owner said.
Sikkim government set target of receiving 20L tourists in 2018
The state government has set a target of receiving 20L domestic and foreign tourists this year by showcasing its popular tourist destinations like Nathula pass bordering China, Changu Lake in East District, snowcapped areas like Lachung and Lachen in North District among others.
