International Youth Conclave for Tourism Development commences at Yangang

NAMCHI,  (IPR): The International Youth Conclave for Tourism Development organised by Yangang Tourism Development Committee (YTDC) commenced officially at Yangang, today with Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) gracing the occasion as the chief guest.

The three-day International Youth Conclave aims to promote sustainable tourism, culture, and youth with participation from 17 Indian States, four Union Territories, and international delegates from Bhutan, Nepal, and Iran.

The Chief Minister extended his best wishes for the ongoing three-day tourism event and acknowledged the efforts of those involved in organising it. In his address, he highlighted the current developments in tourism taking place in Yangyang and encouraged stakeholders, tour agencies, NGOs and youths to take part in promoting tourism of Sikkim. He assured that the government would support such initiatives through various programs.

The Chief Minister announced that Yangyang will soon see the development of a skywalk, aimed at enhancing tourism infrastructure and providing necessary amenities for visitors. This initiative is also expected to generate local employment opportunities through engagement in homestays, hotels, and other related services.

He also shared his plans by engaging with the film industry by featuring Sikkim’s scenic outdoor locations, including its mountains, rural villages, landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. This initiative aims to generate new opportunities for the local population. As a part of the “Sikkim INSPIRES” program, the government will identify talented artists from across the State and support them by offering training and equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in this creative industry.

He appealed citizens to promote Sikkim as a tourist destination and informed that infrastructure and transportation needs would be addressed by the government. Traffic congestion, which has increased due to the rising number of vehicles, was acknowledged as a major issue. To manage this, he suggested distributing tourist routes across different regions of the State to ease vehicle movement.

Further, he called on tourism stakeholders to ensure that tourists explore a wider range of destinations in Sikkim, not just popular sites. He also highlighted the importance of public participation in tourism through training, awareness programs, and promotion across different platforms.

Citizens were reminded to take responsibility for maintaining cleanliness and preserving the natural surroundings. He informed that more homestay projects are prepared and will be constructed soon, with a clear instruction that they must be used strictly for tourism-related purposes to aid employment.

Additionally, he announced that distribution of essential materials such as sheets will take place in a single day during the first week of May through administrative offices. He also appealed to dedicate at-least one day to connect to mother earth by taking part in activities which connects to our earth such as farming and gardening, noting that such values are gradually being forgotten.

Lastly, the Chief Minister concluded by informing that he will soon begin a three-day Janta Bhet Karyakram in every constituency to meet with citizens directly.

Deputy Speaker and Area MLA Raj Kumari Thapa expressed her heartfelt gratitude to all departments, panchayats, workers, and individuals who contributed to making the program a grand success.

Providing an update on the development of Yangang as a prominent tourist destination, she highlighted the enhancement of major attractions such as Bhaley Dhunga and the skywalk project, along with proper road maintenance to facilitate travel for both locals and tourists.

She informed that the event witnessed participation from 17 States, four Union Territories, and three other countries (Bhutan, Nepal and Iran) in the event.

Further, she informed that more than 200 students from the constituency have been benefited from the Chief Minister's Scholarship Scheme, enabling many deserving youths to pursue their educational aspirations without financial burden.

Additionally, she highlighted the ongoing in the construction of Sikkim University in Yangang.

Tourism minister T T Bhutia, in his address, urged unemployed youth to make use of opportunities available through various tourism-related programs aimed at self-empowerment. He stated that tourism is a key industry and highlighted the need to strengthen it through all possible means.

Special focus has been placed on rural tourism, with initiatives such as organising Rural Tourism Youth Meet, which will bring international delegates together. He outlined that efforts are being made in multiple areas including the development of infrastructure and identification of new tourist destinations.

He shared details about the route map being prepared for tourism destinations in Sikkim and mentioned that Tourist Information Centres (TICs) are being established in several locations across the state. Employees at these centres will undergo training to provide necessary support to visitors.

Further, he approached for nature-based tourism involving rural activities and called for collective support towards the initiative.

The conclave included the distribution of cheques under the Chief Minister’s Discretionary Grant (CMDG) to various beneficiaries and organisations.

The event also saw the launch of official website of Yangang Tourism Development Committee www.ytdcsikkim.com by the Chief Minister.

Additionally, the event included a cultural exchange segment, along with adventure activities such as paragliding and rock climbing, adding a unique dimension to the conclave. Traditional stalls were also set up, promoting local crafts and cuisine.

The program also held panel discussion sessions.