The concept of home stay is gaining mileage across the State along with village tourism as this gives something different to the people in tourism industry.

Unlike congested cities with their ever increasing concrete jungle village tourism provides a perfect escape to the people looking for some calm and healthy stay away, as this is an eco- friendly concept the Government is also positive about it. While speaking to the president of Travel Agent’s Association of Sikkim Mr. Lukendra Rasaily, he said that TAAS has adopted six villages across the state on its pilot project which include Aritar, Rongli-Rhenock access in the east, south district- Sumbuk Kitam, West- Melli Khechipery north district- Dzongu and green lake trek in Lachen.

Mr. Rasaily informed that the adoption process has been completed but the release of the said adopted villages to the member has not been done as presently the study of the tourism potential of the area is being carried out. Initially TAAS is mainly focusing on two villages one is Dzongu as the area is pristine and ethnic and holds a lot of scope in tourism and the other is Melli Khechiperi. Further more the sensitization of the local people of the said area is already started and small groups of tourist are also being sent to these places for home stay in trial basis. Human resource development and promotion of tourism the association is tying up with some financial institutions, initially for the two villages North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd.(NEDFi) has shown some interest and very soon the association is planning to have a joint inspection.

Mr. Rasaily also added that Dzongu has a lot of tourism scope and the association is working on converting the same into business but for the success of the same the interest, cooperation and support of the resident of the said area is a must. With regard to village tourism, he added that the infrastructure that comes up in these areas must blend with natural setting of the area and focus must be on culture, customs, traditions, religion. As ethnicity is the main focus of this concept of tourism.

When asked about the strengthening of skilled man power of the said villages to serve in hospitality and services Mr. Rasaily said after the survey and inspection of the said areas are completed then the association will request the Government, financial institutions for capacity building of the people interested, for providing training. He lastly added that the decision to make Sikkim an organic state has boasted the tourism potential of these villages to a great deal.

Courtesy: Sikkim Mail

 

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