Gangtok (Sikkim), Mar 24: Keen to improve tourist inflow into the State, the Sikkim Government recently launched a casino.
With an annual increase of 20 per cent in tourist inflow in recent years, Sikkim is the only state in the country offering land based live casino facilities and complete casino gaming to tourists.
The first casino was opened at the Royal Plaza hotel and was named 'Casino Sikkim'.
Naresh Subba, Chief Executive Officer of Casino Sikkim, said the State Government's assistance had made it possible to open the casino in the state.
"The Sikkim Government has trusted us and have given me the responsibility to come up with the casino and then to attract the tourists. With the airport foundation stone and ritual being done recently, I see a nightlife market for tourists," said Naresh.
Besides boosting the economy of the region through tourism, the opening of casino is also creating employment opportunities for the youth who are not exposed to the outside world.
"From casino, we will definitely get an advantage and high profile tourists will be attracted. In the northeastern side, Sikkim is the only state where casino was opened recently," said Deepak Rai, a tour operator.
The State Government aims to attract high end domestic and foreign tourists with the casino bid which has already created ripples in the hospitality sector both national and international. By Tashi Pradhan
Source: Asian News International
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
SIKKIM BECKONS by Swati Chaudhury
ESSAYS: Emerging tourist trails
Posted by barunroy on March 23, 2009
FROM THE STATESMAN
Sikkim beckons, writes Swaati Chaudhury
SIKKIM is an all-weather destination and has captured the hearts of millions of tourists with its luxuriant forests, snow-capped mountain ranges, rhododendron splendour, pristine waterfalls, holy caves, medicinal hot springs and gently flowing streams. Of late, its tourism department has endeavoured to promote out-of-the-way destinations and provide home-stay facilities. The inviting destinations are Darap in west Sikkim, Kabi in the north and Pakyong in the east.
To encourage local unemployed youths to sustain themselves, the tourism department is encouraging them to come up with arrangements for home-stay facilities for tourists. The three destinations are inhabited by three distinct tribes, namely the Bhutias, Lepchas and Nepalis, each with an indigenous culture and traditions of their own. All the new getaways offer a lot of activity for tourists.
Says Madan Kumar Pradhan, deputy director of Sikkim Tourism, “Tourists can walk down hamlets and visit the monastery at Kabi or drop in at Karthok monastery at Pakyong. About three kilometres from Pakyong Bazar is Changey monastery, while Jhandi Dara is a four-kilometre trek from Pakyong and Karthok Cave is another 12.5 km from Pakyong Bazar. There is also a meditation centre at Pachey, nearly three kilometres from Pakyong.”
Kachery House at Pakyong Bazar is a heritage building dating back to the 18th century and has been the creation of Taksari, Chandra Bir Pradhan. This huge structure is home to ancient Nepali art and culture, a wide spectrum of Nepali and Sikkim handicrafts and is open to visitors. Besides, there are items and tools belonging to the British era.
At Pakyong, tourists can catch marvellous views of Kanchejunga peak. Rhododendrons are in full bloom here during April and May. Says Pradhan, “All the three destinations offer wondrous glimpses of the lofty Himalayan peaks and are steadily emerging as new tourist hotspots. Pakyong is all set to get a new Greenfield airport, the foundation of which was laid on 28 February this year. Construction work has already begun.” Tourists can head for Sikkim during the monsoon when the temperature is between 15º-18º Celsius.
For adventure lovers or those looking for solitude or leisure, there are tours for all segments of tourists and accommodation to suit all budgets. The drive along meandering roads offers a thrilling experience. The land is a haven for adventure buffs, with opportunities for trekking, mountain biking, angling, rock climbing, mountain flights and birdwatching. “Tourism serves as the growth engine for overall economic and social development in the state. Sikkim has recently bagged the best state award in the sphere of tourism-related products,” adds Pradhan.
Posted by barunroy on March 23, 2009
FROM THE STATESMAN
Sikkim beckons, writes Swaati Chaudhury
SIKKIM is an all-weather destination and has captured the hearts of millions of tourists with its luxuriant forests, snow-capped mountain ranges, rhododendron splendour, pristine waterfalls, holy caves, medicinal hot springs and gently flowing streams. Of late, its tourism department has endeavoured to promote out-of-the-way destinations and provide home-stay facilities. The inviting destinations are Darap in west Sikkim, Kabi in the north and Pakyong in the east.
To encourage local unemployed youths to sustain themselves, the tourism department is encouraging them to come up with arrangements for home-stay facilities for tourists. The three destinations are inhabited by three distinct tribes, namely the Bhutias, Lepchas and Nepalis, each with an indigenous culture and traditions of their own. All the new getaways offer a lot of activity for tourists.
Says Madan Kumar Pradhan, deputy director of Sikkim Tourism, “Tourists can walk down hamlets and visit the monastery at Kabi or drop in at Karthok monastery at Pakyong. About three kilometres from Pakyong Bazar is Changey monastery, while Jhandi Dara is a four-kilometre trek from Pakyong and Karthok Cave is another 12.5 km from Pakyong Bazar. There is also a meditation centre at Pachey, nearly three kilometres from Pakyong.”
Kachery House at Pakyong Bazar is a heritage building dating back to the 18th century and has been the creation of Taksari, Chandra Bir Pradhan. This huge structure is home to ancient Nepali art and culture, a wide spectrum of Nepali and Sikkim handicrafts and is open to visitors. Besides, there are items and tools belonging to the British era.
At Pakyong, tourists can catch marvellous views of Kanchejunga peak. Rhododendrons are in full bloom here during April and May. Says Pradhan, “All the three destinations offer wondrous glimpses of the lofty Himalayan peaks and are steadily emerging as new tourist hotspots. Pakyong is all set to get a new Greenfield airport, the foundation of which was laid on 28 February this year. Construction work has already begun.” Tourists can head for Sikkim during the monsoon when the temperature is between 15º-18º Celsius.
For adventure lovers or those looking for solitude or leisure, there are tours for all segments of tourists and accommodation to suit all budgets. The drive along meandering roads offers a thrilling experience. The land is a haven for adventure buffs, with opportunities for trekking, mountain biking, angling, rock climbing, mountain flights and birdwatching. “Tourism serves as the growth engine for overall economic and social development in the state. Sikkim has recently bagged the best state award in the sphere of tourism-related products,” adds Pradhan.
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