Sikkim introduces Rs.50 entry fee for tourists to fund sustainable tourism development

ISABELLA GURUNG

GANGTOK, : The State government has begun charging an entry fee of Rs.50 per tourist, starting March 14, as a Tourism Sustainable Development (TSD) fund. The fee was introduced under the Sikkim Registration of Tourist Trade Rules, 2025.

Accordingly, the collected funds will be used to enhance tourism infrastructure and services across the State, including road connectivity, cleanliness and overall visitor experience, in a move aimed at promoting sustainable tourism and preserving the cultural heritage of the State.

Key initiatives supported by the fund include upgrading infrastructure, providing training and mentorship for local tourism stakeholders, and offering capacity-building programs for the youth of the State.

The fee shall be levied at the time of booking rooms at hotels, homestays or any other accommodation units in the State of Sikkim. The fee will be applicable to all tourists, both domestic and international, and will be collected during the booking process, either online or offline. The charge will be explicitly mentioned in the booking details or accommodation unit's registration form, ensuring transparency in the payment process.

Additionally, a unique feature of this initiative is the introduction of a Memento Certificate. Tourists will receive a soft copy of this certificate via email or Whats App as a token of appreciation for visiting Sikkim.

Details on Fee Collection and Payment: The TSD fee is payable per individual tourist, not per room or booking, and is applicable only to guests staying overnight. The fee is valid for a maximum of 30 days, or until the tourist exits the state—whichever comes first. For every re-entry to the State within this period, tourists will be required to pay the fee again.

Certain exemptions apply to children under the age of five, government employees on duty, and locals, who can avail the exemption by presenting valid identity cards or official documents.

Recordkeeping and Transparency: To ensure transparency and accountability, the payment of the fee will be recorded through the ‘ATITHI- Guest Information System, Sikkim’, a dedicated online platform for logging tourist details and managing the fund collection. Tourism operators are also required to display information regarding the fund at their reception areas, websites, and booking portals.

On a weekly basis, tourism operators must transfer the collected fees into a designated government account, with the relevant data reported to the Tourism and Commercial Tax Division of the Finance department. The department may also conduct random audits to ensure compliance with the regulations.