CM lays foundation stone for Hyatt Regency Gangtok

KUNAL RAI

GANGTOK, : Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay laid the foundation stone for Hyatt Regency Gangtok, a landmark 150-room five-star hotel coming up in the heart of the capital city, during a formal ceremony held at Chintan Bhawan here on Sunday.

The foundation laying ceremony was graced by Speaker MN Sherpa, ministers, MLAs, senior government officials, project developers and senior representatives of Hyatt Hotels.

In his address, the Chief Minister said that the laying of the foundation stone was not merely the beginning of a construction project, but the start of a new chapter in Sikkim’s growth story. He stated that the decision of the Hyatt leadership to choose Gangtok and Sikkim reflects the immense potential of the State’s tourism sector.

The Chief Minister said Sikkim is blessed with rich natural biodiversity and is widely known for its warmth and hospitality. He added that the people of the State have consistently worked towards uplifting communities while upholding enduring peace and harmony.

“We have upheld unity in diversity and take pride in our warmth and hospitality. Our peaceful coexistence makes our State a beautiful destination where culture continues to flourish,” he said.

Describing tourism as a key pillar of Sikkim’s economy, Golay said that the number of tourists visiting the State often exceeds its population. He noted that Sikkim offers vibrant tourism experiences ranging from spiritual heritage and wellness to cultural exchange, particularly in rural areas where visitors stay longer and carry back meaningful experiences.

He further said that with improving road infrastructure and the upcoming rail connectivity expected by 2027, the State’s accessibility will be significantly enhanced. The presence of a reputed international hotel brand like Hyatt, he said, will not only introduce luxury accommodation but also bring global visibility and strengthen Gangtok’s position as a premium destination in Eastern India. He added that luxury tourism initiatives such as Hyatt would also encourage visitor inflow during the off-season.

The Chief Minister said that Sikkim’s youth are talented, hardworking and eager to learn, and expressed confidence that such projects would open new avenues for young people and local entrepreneurs. He emphasised that the benefits of tourism must be shared by local families and communities.

Highlighting Sikkim’s pioneering role in organic farming, he said that ecology and economy must progress together. He expressed confidence that the Hyatt project would reflect the State’s ease of doing business, while also expecting partners to respect Sikkim’s environment, culture and people.

Stating that Gangtok is steadily developing into a modern urban centre, he said projects like this would help place the State on the global map. He reiterated that development should benefit all sections of society and assured the government’s full support for the project.

The Chief Minister extended his best wishes for the grand success of Hyatt Regency in Gangtok.

Located in the Mintokgang area within the Suryavilas mixed-use development, the hotel site is strategically positioned just 2 km from MG Marg, within close proximity to major tourist landmarks including Enchey Monastery and the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology and along NH-310, the key arterial road leading to Nathu La Pass, ensuring seamless accessibility for both leisure and business travellers.

The 150-room hotel will be developed within a larger 3.27-acre master planned site and is designed to address the existing demand-supply gap in the luxury segment, particularly within the city centre where premium inventory remains limited.

The project will be developed by Gyalshing Hotels Private Limited, an SPV under SM Hotels and Resorts Pvt Ltd, the hospitality arm of SM Developers.

While speaking on the project, Vikas Agarwal, MD and CEO, SM Developers, said, “This development marks a significant milestone for Sikkim’s hospitality landscape. Designed by SCSY Studio, Singapore to global standards, the hotel will offer experiential luxury, premium culinary offerings, and modern event infrastructure. We are confident it will emerge as the preferred destination for discerning travellers, corporate delegations, and international visitors exploring the Eastern Himalayas.”

Earlier, the programme was also addressed by Tourism department advisor Sudesh Kumar Subba, andadditional chief secretary (Tourism) CS Rao.