Gangtok, October 19, 2012:

The Travel Agents Association of Sikkim (TAAS) has expressed its concern on the recent unrest in South District observing it as detrimental to promotion of tourism in the state.

In a press statement, TAAS president Satish Bardewa pointed out tour operators are have difficulties in convincing tourists to re-schedule their confirmed trips of North District to South and West districts rather than cancelling their trips. Recent flashfloods in North District and last year’s  earthquake has caused a great loss to the state tourism industry, he said.

“The recent violence in South district has come as a shock to tour operators and tourism stakeholders from South and West districts feel affected. Tourism industry is very sensitive can only be promoted with peace and harmony”, said Bardewa. He said tourism growth took place in Sikkim making it the most sought after tourism destination in entire North East as Sikkim has been a peaceful state under the leadership of Chief Minister Pawan Chamling.

“As tourism is now being promoted to South and West districts with a focus to harness cultural and pilgrimage tourism potential, TAAS requests all the people of Sikkim to maintain peace and harmony which by itself is our unique ‘USP’ for a long-term and sustainable tourism growth in Sikkim”, said the TAAS president.

 

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