Withdraw entry fee for tourists visiting Sikkim, demands CAP

ISABELLA GURUNG

GANGTOK, : The Citizen Action Party (CAP) Sikkim has demanded a rollback of the Rs. 50 entry fee recently imposed by the State government on tourists visiting Sikkim.

The Sikkim government has introduced a Rs. 50 entry fee for every tourist entering the State, a step taken ahead of the upcoming tourism season.

Addressing a press meet here on Monday, the CAP Sikkim questioned how Indian citizens could be charged for entering a part of their own country.

CAP Sikkim spokesperson Mahesh Rai stated, “It seems to be an inspiration from Bhutan, which collects a Sustainable Development Fee. However, Bhutan charges this fee only from foreign tourists, whereas Sikkim will be collecting it from Indian citizens. This will negatively impact our tourism industry. There are already existing taxes on tourists in different forms, such as entry fees at tourist destinations, garbage fees, passes, tourist vehicle parking charges, and wildlife fees in some areas.”

CAP Sikkim also highlighted the additional costs already imposed on tourists, such as Restricted Area Permit and Protected Area Permit fees for visits to North Sikkim, the Silk Route, and Nathu La in East Sikkim. “These permit fees, along with parking charges and entry fees at every tourist spot, as well as wildlife fees as high as Rs. 100, are putting the future of tourism in the State at risk,” the party spokespersons said.

Additionally, the CAP Sikkim raised concerns over poor road connectivity, the lack of 24-hour amenities, and the absence of basic facilities such as drinking water and toilets along highways and at tourist spots.

“There are many States and regions in the country with tourism-based economies. Tourists may choose to divert to such locations instead. Tourism stakeholders also face various challenges, from transport issues to obtaining permissions and counter-signs for travel to Siliguri in West Bengal, sometimes even resorting to bribing officials to return to Sikkim with tourists,” said Rai.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, tourism in Sikkim has declined, said the CAP Sikkim spokesperson, adding that stakeholders and locals who have invested their life savings in developing hotels are struggling due to low footfall.

The opposition party also claimed that small shop owners and business operators in tourist destinations are sometimes harassed by concerned departments regarding taxes. The CAP Sikkim urged the authorities to ensure fair treatment for small business owners and large mall operators alike.