Tourism, mental health discussed at International Youth Conclave for Tourism Development

GANGTOK,: The second day of the International Youth Conclave for Tourism Development, organised by Yangang Tourism Development Committee (YTDC) with support from State Tourism department, focused on meaningful discussions and awareness programmes around sustainable and responsible tourism.

Two panel discussions were held on the day. The first session, titled “The Impact of Tourism on Local Economies,” which was moderated by SBS managing director Phurba Wangdi. The speakers included ETTHOA advisor Devashish Chakravarty, Printing & Stationeries secretary Dr. A.B. Karki, SHRA treasurer Yash Marda, HHTDN general secretary Samrat Sanyal and TAAS vice president Yangchen Tongden Lepcha. They talked about how tourism helps local communities by creating jobs, generating income and improving infrastructure, informs a press release.

The second session was titled “Yangang Forward: A Journey of Adventure, Sustainability, and Responsible Tourism.” It was moderated by Clubside Holidays director Amit Periwal and speakers included Suvida Aapki CEO Hemant Agarwal Yashree Group’s Sadip Lama, NE Origin MD Rewaj Chettri and YTDC member Robin Basnet. They shared ideas for developing Yangang into a youth-friendly, responsible tourism destination.

In the afternoon, an awareness programme on mental health and substance abuse was conducted by State Education department. It was followed by a presentation under the UNNATI scheme by Abhimanyu Dhakal. The session focused on mental well-being and the challenges young people face related to substance abuse. It supported the conclave’s wider aim of promoting youth development in all areas, the release mentions.

The conclave, which has brought together delegates from 17 State, three Union Territories, and three countries, was inaugurated on April 12 by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay). He emphasized that tourism is an important part of Sikkim’s growth and that events like this help bring real change to places like Yangang.

Deputy Speaker and area MLA Raj Kumari Thapa attended today’s programme as the chief guest.