Yangang to host International Youth Conclave on Tourism Development

GANGTOK, : The first preparatory meeting for the International Youth Conclave for Tourism Development, scheduled to be held in Yangang from April 12 to April 14 took place at the Sikkim Legislative Assembly (SLA) Secretariat on Saturday. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Speaker Raj Kumari Thapa and attended by key government representatives and officials, a press release informs.

Among the distinguished attendees were Chief Minister’s political secretary Bikash Basnet, Chief Minister’s OSD Karma Subba, ex-zilla adhyaksha CL Gurung, SBS managing director Phurba Wangdi Bhutia, Education principal director Sonam Denzongpa, principal director (Accounts) BB Izam, and officials from various departments representing Rangang-Yangang constituency.

The meeting was presided over by members of the Yangang Tourism Development Committee (YTDC).

During the deliberations, the participants discussed the significance of the conclave, which will commemorate 50 Years of Sikkim’s Statehood by highlighting the growth, challenges, and opportunities in the State’s tourism sector. The conclave organised by YTDC aims to promote underdeveloped tourism destinations in Sikkim, particularly Yangang, while fostering global tourism, employment opportunities, and community development, the release mentions.

Deputy Speaker Raj Kumari Thapa, also the Rangang-Yangang MLA, stressed the importance of collective responsibility and community participation in making the event a success. As this is the first time Yangang will be hosting such a prestigious and meaningful event, she emphasized that it would not only boost the region’s tourism industry but also serve as an inspiration for youths to engage in tourism entrepreneurship, event management, and community involvement.

The meeting also discussed the overall programme outline, which includes the promotion of cultural heritage, tourism development, adventure tourism, encouragement of local entrepreneurship and minute management of the event to ensure smooth execution.

The conclave is set to be a significant initiative that will align with the 50 years of Sikkim’s Statehood celebrations, along with the vision of “Sunaulo, Samriddha ani Samartha Sikkim”, as envisioned by Chief Minister PS Golay.

A major decision taken during the meeting was to extend an official invitation to the Chief Minister to grace the event. The members also deliberated on strategies to enhance participation from national and international delegates, ensuring that the conclave serves as a global platform for discussions on tourism development.

The three-day event will host 250 delegates from across India’s 28 States and 3 Union Territories, as well as participants from 10 countries worldwide. The conclave will feature forums, discussions, and experience-sharing sessions aimed at enhancing Sikkim’s tourism industry.

Yangang Tourism Development Committee (YTDC), which has played a crucial role in promoting sustainable tourism and local economic growth since its establishment in 2008, will take the lead in organizing the event. With the support of the Tourism department, State government and various stakeholders, the conclave is expected to be a landmark event, strengthening Sikkim’s position as a premier tourism destination and showcasing its cultural and natural heritage to the world, the release mentions.