GANGTOK, July 19:
The number of tourists visiting the Himalayan state of Sikkim has been growing by leaps and bounds over the years. 2010 proved to be a watershed when the number of foreign and domestic tourist visiting the state shot up beyond 20,000 and 70,000 respectively.

The state government has been working hard to make Sikkim an ultimate tourism destination in the world. In this regard, the state government under the leadership of the Chief Minister has been working to develop tourism infrastructure and other tourism related activities across the state. The CM announced many tourism related schemes even during his on going 40 days village to village tour.

The Chief Minister himself is encouraging the people to take up tourism and the related activities to be self reliant. The initiative of the government carried out since long in tourism sector is now resulting in gradual increase of tourists inflow. The constant flow of tourist in Sikkim has played a great role in boosting up the economy of the state.

As per received the data received from the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Government of Sikkim, the tourist flow in the state has showed an average increasing trend during the monsoon season too. The state received 16518 foreign tourists in 2005. The number shot to 17837 in 2007 and 19154 in the following year.

Likewise, in the year 2009 the state received 17730 foreign tourists. The Himalayan state recorded intense foreign tourist inflow in the year 2010 with 20757. This year till the month of July, the state has already received 10414 tourist. Tourist generally avoid the rainy season. Several waterfalls flow down the mountains creating a myriad of colors and variety of wild flowers bloom during this period.

The domestic tourist inflow over the years has also witnessed a constant upward swing. 347650 tourists visited the state in the year 2005. The visits went up to 421943 in 2006, 465204 in 2007, 512373 in 2008 and further to 615628 in 2009. The number of domestic tourist witnessed boom in 2010 when it shot to 700011. This year till the month of July 2011, a total of 368965 domestic tourist have visited the state.

The visiting tourist mainly visits places like Nathu La, Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir, Yumthang, Lachung, Lachen, Pelling, Namchi, Dzongu etc. Furthermore the tourists also indulge themselves in adventurous sports like trekking, boating, skiing and even enjoy the pleasure of driving along the Himalayas. The flow of tourist to the state is increasing every year and hope that the 7 lakhs mark which was touched last year will be crossed in the current year considering the inflow of tourist in both the category Domestic and Foreign.

(Courtesy: Sikkim Mail)

 

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