Domestic tourist inflow sees new record in 2024 compared to 2022
Travel agents say that better roads, more hotels, and improved services are some of the reasons behind this growth.
LOCAL
Sikkim has always been one of the most loved travel spots in India. Surrounded by tall mountains and filled with natural beauty, this small northeastern state has become a favorite among Indian tourists. The latest data from the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department shows that 2024 has already beaten 2022 in terms of domestic tourist numbers—and the year isn’t even over yet.
In 2022, Sikkim welcomed around 16.25 lakh domestic tourists. This was considered a strong recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic. People started traveling again, and Sikkim became a top choice for those looking to enjoy nature and peace.
But in 2024, the state has already seen over 18.93 lakh domestic tourists by the end of March. That’s more than 2.5 lakh additional visitors compared to all of 2022—just in the first three months of the year.
The month-wise data shows how fast the numbers have gone up:
• In January 2022, there were 34,229 tourists, while in January 2024, the number rose to 78,538.
• In February, the jump was even bigger—from 98,456 in 2022 to 1.89 lakh in 2024.
• March saw an increase from 87,377 in 2022 to 2.17 lakh in 2024.
This kind of rise has never been seen before, and it shows that Sikkim has truly bounced back as a tourism hotspot.
Travel agents say that better roads, more hotels, and improved services are some of the reasons behind this growth. Also, people today are more interested in nature, quiet places, and short vacations, all of which Sikkim offers in plenty.
A hotel manager in Pelling said, “In 2022 we were still recovering from COVID-19. But 2024 has been our busiest year so far. We are fully booked almost every week.”
Local shops, transport services, and restaurants are also seeing the benefits. The rise in tourism is helping the local economy. People selling handicrafts, organic produce, and traditional food are all seeing better sales.
Tourism officials believe that if this trend continues, Sikkim may cross 25 lakh domestic tourists by the end of 2024, breaking all previous records.