SOS chief advisor appointed as IATO chairman for Sikkim & North Bengal

Monday, Jul 07, 2025 11:15 [IST]

Last Update: Sunday, Jul 06, 2025 18:09 [IST]

SOS chief advisor appointed as IATO chairman for Sikkim & North Bengal

GANGTOK, : Sikkim Ornithological Society (SOS) chief advisor Peter Lobo has been appointed as the chairman of the North Bengal and Sikkim Chapter of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) — the National Apex Body of Tour Operators in India.

This prestigious appointment is recognition of Lobo’s unwavering commitment, visionary leadership, and relentless efforts in promoting sustainable and responsible tourism throughout the Eastern Himalayas, a press release informs.

The SOS was founded in 2005 by visionaries KC Pradhanand Lt.Karma Takapa, and has contributed abundantly in the field of ornithology in Sikkim. Executives like Chewang R. BonpoandNosang M. Limboo have numerous contributions in keeping up the legacy of SOS.

Peter Lobo has been guiding SOS with his valuable insights since more than a decade. It is his efforts and support to the younger generation executives of SOS like NosangandChewang that empowers the existence and consistency of sharing the knowledge of aviation fauna in Sikkim, the release mentions.

The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), founded in 1982, represents over 2000+ tourism industry members. It collaborates with international bodies and the Indian government to address tourism issues and facilitate travel. IATO maintains high ethical standards and personalized services. It actively participates in social responsibilities, contributing to national emergencies, disaster relief, and the Prime Minister's Relief Fund.

IATO also takes social responsibility seriously, actively participating in national emergencies and ongoing social obligations. Its contributions include support for the National Defense Fund, blood donation camps during the Kargil conflict, relief work for cyclone and earthquake victims, and donations to the Prime Minister's Relief Fund.

“Sikkim shall definitely benefit from Lobo’s appointment as the chairman of Sikkim and North Bengal IOTA in many bigger and better ways. His close association with Sikkim Ornithological Society since its inception and his love for Sikkim will prove to be highly beneficial at the national level forums. Lobo himself has expressed great happiness for this opportunity and has lined up numerous projects in Sikkim already,” the release states.

 

Sikkim at a Glance

  • Area: 7096 Sq Kms
  • Capital: Gangtok
  • Altitude: 5,840 ft
  • Population: 6.10 Lakhs
  • Topography: Hilly terrain elevation from 600 to over 28,509 ft above sea level
  • Climate:
  • Summer: Min- 13°C - Max 21°C
  • Winter: Min- 0.48°C - Max 13°C
  • Rainfall: 325 cms per annum
  • Language Spoken: Nepali, Bhutia, Lepcha, Tibetan, English, Hindi