Sonam Norgay Lachungpa receives warm welcome as new tourism chairperson in Sikkim

The Tourism and Civil Aviation Department of the Government of Sikkim, along with enthusiastic participation from the general public and tourism stakeholders, extended a grand welcome to Shri Sonam Norgay Lachungpa on his appointment as the new Chairperson of the department.

The welcome function was held in the presence of top officials, staff, and community members, highlighting the significance of the position Shri Lachungpa now holds. Leading the ceremony was C.S. Rao, Additional Chief Secretary of the Tourism & Civil Aviation Department, who set the tone for the event with a warm address and expressions of confidence in the new leadership.

He was joined by a team of senior officials from the department, including Neeraj Pradhan, Hondala Gyaltsen, Binod Sharma, Dr. Prerna Chamling, and Tenzing Gelay. Their presence not only underlined institutional support but also signaled the importance the state attaches to the tourism and aviation sectors as key pillars of economic and cultural development.

C.S. Rao praised the dynamic and diverse background that Shri Lachungpa brings to the table, noting that such leadership is essential at a time when Sikkim’s tourism industry is poised for expansion. “We are entering a new chapter in tourism and civil aviation development. With Chairperson Lachungpa’s commitment, knowledge of the region, and connection to the people, we are confident that we will achieve greater heights in sustainable and inclusive tourism,” Rao said.

Notably, the warm welcome was not limited to bureaucrats or government officials alone. Representatives from the tourism sector—including tour operators, hoteliers, homestay owners, guides, and cultural promoters—also turned up in large numbers to greet the new Chairperson. Their participation signified a shared aspiration for a more vibrant, accessible, and people-oriented tourism policy under his leadership.

Shri Sonam Norgay Lachungpa, deeply moved by the show of support, delivered a heartfelt address during the ceremony. Expressing his sincere gratitude to the Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) and the Hon’ble Minister of Social Welfare Department and Area MLA of 31-Lachen Mangan Constituency, Samdup Lepcha, he said:

“I am humbled by this responsibility and thankful for the trust placed in me. I promise to work diligently, not only as an administrator but also as a listener and collaborator. Together, we will ensure that tourism becomes a means of prosperity, cultural preservation, and opportunity for every citizen.”