Sikkim is planning to open its doors to tourists from October. The state wants to project itself…

Sikkim is planning to open its doors to tourists from October. The state wants to project itself as a 'safe destination' to lure visitors back again. Tourism employs about 65 % of the state's population, and is severely hit because of the lockdown.

The state tourism department on Friday held a meeting with all the stakeholders to discuss a strategy for reopening the sector on Friday. They came up with a draft proposal termed 'Reopening of State Tourism'.

"The State cannot afford to abrogate its tourism industry for long. The resumption of tourism is likely to increase the probability of transmission of the disease. Still, it becomes imperative for us to ensure that the highest standards of health safety measures are put in place before we open the doors for tourism”, reads the draft.

There be an effort to establish an efficient Tourism Health Safety and Treatment system in the state. “It will automatically translate into a major pull factor for the revival of future tourism in Sikkim. It may be prudent to take a restrictive approach, with most supply determined rather than market-driven, for the phase-wise reopening of tourism in the State”, mentions the draft. The draft proposal states:

1. The first phase of reopening will be considered only for domestic tourists.

2. All tourists travel in Sikkim to be permitted only for pre-booked, package tours, mountaineering expeditions and trekking. Contact us for details.