Sikkim boosts tourism with new permit office in Rongli

The tourism sector in Sikkim has received a major boost with the inauguration of a new permit office at the Panchayat office in Kishan Bazar, Rongli. The office was inaugurated today by Tshering Thendup Bhutia, Minister for Tourism & Civil Aviation, along with Puran Kumar Gurung, Minister for Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services and Fisheries Department.

The new permit office is part of the Chief Minister’s vision to decentralise the process of issuing travel permits across all districts. This move aims to make permits more accessible for tourists and travel agencies, ensuring a hassle-free experience for those visiting Sikkim's popular tourist destinations.

With the new facility, tourists can now obtain permits for Nathula directly from Rongli, including permits for motorcycles traveling on the same route. Rongli serves as a key entry point for several well-known destinations, including Zuluk, Nathula, and Tsomgo Lake. By making the permit process local, the government hopes to improve tourism efficiency, reduce travel difficulties, and support the local economy.

The permit office is already operational, allowing travel agencies to apply for domestic tourist permits during regular working hours. Speaking at the event, Tshering Thendup Bhutia praised the initiative, calling it a significant step toward fulfilling the community’s collective vision. He highlighted the importance of tourism in Sikkim’s economy and reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting rural tourism.

Moreover, he announced that Tourist Information Centres (TICs) have been set up across six districts to assist travelers. These centres will serve as important hubs for providing guidance and information to visitors. Bhutia also encouraged tourism stakeholders to expand their services, stating that a thriving tourism sector benefits businesses and strengthens the state's economy. He spoke about ongoing efforts under the Sikkim Integrated Service Provision and Innovation for Reviving Economies (INSPIRES) initiative and announced upcoming training programs for individuals interested in tourism-related careers.

Minister Puran Kumar Gurung also addressed the gathering, stressing the importance of rural homestays in boosting local economies. He urged tourism operators to comply with tax regulations and ensure discipline among visitors.

CS Rao, Principal Secretary of the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, formally announced the beginning of Nathula permit issuance from Rongli, a move expected to significantly boost tourism in the area. He also informed attendees about the Tourism Sustainable Development Fee, explaining its importance and the available exemptions.

Tenzing Gelay, Additional Director of the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, emphasized the government’s commitment to grassroots governance. He urged all stakeholders to work together to enhance Sikkim’s tourism potential.

The event also included an open forum, where tourism operators and other stakeholders voiced their concerns and provided suggestions for improving tourism policies and permit-related services.

Several key dignitaries attended the inauguration, including NB Biswakarma (SDM, Rongli), Ms. Dawa L Pakhrin (DSP, 3rd Mile Police Checkpost), Sonam Rinchen Bhutia (Deputy Director, Tourism Department) and Sushma Pradhan (Deputy Director, Tourism Department). Officials from various government departments, as well as representatives from the tourism sector, were also present.