Gangtok, August 21, 2013

On the eve of 67^th Independent day celebration of India, Indian Embassy of Thailand had organised “India Incredible Week” at Siam Paragon from 15-18^th August 2013. The inauguration ceremony commenced with lighting of lamps by Anil Wadhwa, Ambassador of India to Thailand, Princess Diya Kumari of Jaipur, Chaditip Chutrakul, CEO of Siam Paragon. The exhibition at Siam Paragon was in collaboration of Embassy of India to Thailand, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India as a part of very vibrant Incredible India Week.

In his address Wadhwa said “ the incredible India week in which the Royal fables would be the key attraction, attempts to bring the best of India to the Thai people, be it textiles, handicraft and tourism destinations”.  Amongst the five Indian states, Sikkim was one of them.

The event unveiled India in its various colors to the people of Thailand. The elaborate celebration at the Incredible India week included exclusive fashion shows by leading Indian couturiers, Vikram Phadnis and Joy Mitra, tantalizing snow Lion Cultural dance was performed by the very talented troop from Arunachal Pradesh.

Four day of tourism activities included very positive meetings and conferences with the general public as well as tour operators and Tourism authority of Thailand. One focus area of promotion was pilgrimage tourism showcasing the rich heritage of Sikkim along with the Buddhist circuit. It was a pleasant surprise to see that so many people were aware of the development of Buddha Park, and it seems it has created a warm relation between Sikkim and Thailand and has also added a shine on the pilgrimage tourism in Sikkim.

During the course of programme the Attache, Embassy of India, Aditya Vats and Pravin Kumar informed TAAS about the possibility of overland connectivity from South Asian country via Myanmar connecting India’s Northeast States.

TAAS Advisor of State Promotion appraised the officials and expressed his opinion on the possibility of overland tour exit or entry office of Immigration for international tourist to India through Nathula Pass as there is already an existence of Tibet Trade via Nathula which has shown positive growth over the years.

Satish Bardewa, President TAAS, highlighted the importance of Sikkim’s Buddhist Circuit for the people of Thailand and the embassy has agreed to promote Sikkim and its important festivals through all mediums. He has invited the Media and the Tourism Authority of Thailand for the Buddhist Conclave which is being planned during the Next Spring Season.

Randeep Khati, member of TASS, while thanking the Embassy, he expressed his opinion on more promotion for Sikkim and provide bigger platform and space along with sponsorship to showcase our unique culture.

TAAS requested the Embassy to initiate a dialogue with Druk Air for more frequent flight to Bagdogra and possibility of Air Asia’s landing in Bagdogra.

Promotion & Marketing is the cornerstone of every product and Tourism being our USP, TAAS is always committed and serious about the promotion of quality tourism in Sikkim and when Sikkim is promoted internationally, everyone, from Hotels, Drivers, Vendors will participate and benefit, thus contributing to the Socio economic development of the state.

Department of Tourism, Government of Sikkim, has always played an active role in supporting the promotion of Sikkim especially for local Tour operators and TAAS would like to thank them for their ever ready enthusiastic coordination.

Anil Wadwa the Ambassador to Thailand has accepted the TAAS invitation to visit Sikkim, TAAS stated.