11/07/2025
Sikkim Dazzles at TTF Kolkata: New Destinations Unveiled Amidst High-Profile Presence
KOLKATA, INDIA – [July 10] – Sikkim Tourism concluded a highly successful showing at TTF Kolkata, one of India's largest travel trade event, today, marked by the grand unveiling of two compelling new destinations: Soreng and Yangang. This strategic launch, underscored by captivating brand films, signals a significant expansion of Sikkim's tourism offerings.
The unveiling event, conducted with the strong support of the Soreng Tourism Development Association (STDA) and the Yangang Tourism Development Committee (YTDC), and further bolstered by the "Visit Yangang" marketing campaign by YTDC, received the full backing of the Tourism Department, Government of Sikkim, and Sikkim Inspires. Sikkim Inspires (Integrated Service Provision and Innovation for Reviving Economies) is a transformative initiative by the Government of Sikkim, supported by the World Bank, aimed at enhancing livelihood opportunities, particularly for women and youth, across various sectors including tourism. The showcased films offered a vivid glimpse into Soreng as a prime destination for adventure and authentic rural tourism, while highlighting Yangang's contemporary appeal with its newly inaugurated ropeway and forthcoming skywalk.
The enthusiastic reception for these newly unveiled destinations underscored Sikkim's commitment to promoting unique, experience-rich travel. Bolstered by the strong participation of Sikkimese travel partners and stakeholders, the state's impactful presence at TTF Kolkata successfully positioned Soreng and Yangang as the next must-visit locations for travelers seeking genuine and adventurous Himalayan experiences.
The significant launch event was graced by the presence of several esteemed dignitaries, including:
Smt. Rajkumari Thapa, MLA and Deputy Speaker
Mr. Aditya Golay, MLA Soreng-Chakung
Shri Sudesh Kumar S***a, MLA Maneybung Dentam, and Advisor, Tourism and Civil Aviation Department
Shri Bikash Basnet, Political Secretary (Press and Publicity Affairs) to the Chief Minister of Sikkim
Shri Karma S***a. , Officer on Special Duty to the Chief Minister
Commenting on the potential of the newly promoted destinations, Smt. Rajkumari Thapa, MLA and Deputy Speaker, stated, "Yangang is a place that could be a truly remarkable gateway to Sikkim tourism. It's already making news with its ropeway and upcoming skywalk project, but we are equally keen to highlight the slow travel experiences our region offers. The world is increasingly opening up to these kinds of immersive travel experiences. There's also a great deal of learning for all travel stakeholders from this event, and we are very happy to have participated."
Mr. Aditya Golay, MLA Soreng-Chakung, stated: "Soreng offers the perfect canvas for slow travel and truly immersive experiences. It's time Sikkim genuinely embraces rural tourism, empowering our local communities and sharing the authentic stories of these beautiful places with the world."
He further added, “Soreng is a new district and there is immense potential to target and marketing and promoting this destination in the right way is imperative.”
Both Smt. Rajkumari Thapa and Mr. Aditya Golay consistently lauded the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang (Golay). Speaking about the Chief Minister, Thapa remarked, "We are truly lucky to be under the guidance of Shri CM PS Golay, who is a visionary leader and has been very agile and progressive in implementing policies to promote tourism in the state, empowering our community and young enterprising people from the state." Their statements acknowledged his pivotal role in driving policies that foster local community empowerment and promote sustainable, experience-driven tourism initiatives across Sikkim.
The presence of Shri Bikash Basnet, Political Secretary (Press and Publicity Affairs) to the Chief Minister of Sikkim, underscored the state government's strong political will and commitment towards fostering sustainable tourism. He stated, "I am very happy to be part of this event and seeing Sikkim's full participation. As a state that depends so heavily on tourism, I think this is a milestone in itself."
The event was expertly hosted by Robin Basnet, a renowned community tourism strategist and expert. A key highlight was an insightful panel discussion that explored the vast potential of rural tourism and slow travel. Panelists engaged in a dynamic exchange about the critical importance of branding and marketing these new destinations, along with a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and opportunities within Sikkim's evolving tourism landscape. This discussion was particularly well-received by attendees, underscoring the state's forward-thinking approach to sustainable tourism development.