Sikkim Introduces New Entry Fee for Tourists, Aims to Enhance Tourism Infrastructure and Services
The Sikkim government has rolled out a new entry fee of ₹50 per tourist, effective this month, with the aim of generating revenue to improve the state’s tourism infrastructure and services. According to sources within the state’s tourism and civil aviation department, the fee will be collected by hotels when tourists check-in, a move that is expected to boost the state’s tourism sector.
The new fee was first proposed in the Sikkim Registration of Tourists Trade Act 2024, which was passed by the state Assembly last year. The act allows the state to impose a fee on tourists to develop the sector. As of this month, the fee is now in effect, with the collected funds being deposited into the Tourism Sustainable Development (TSD) fund.
The Sikkim government has made it clear that the fee is being implemented to enhance the overall tourist experience in the state. “The state intends to use the revenue generated from the fee to improve tourism infrastructure and services, including the enhancement of road connectivity and improvement of cleanliness,” an official said. The move is seen as a step towards providing better facilities for tourists, making Sikkim a more attractive destination.
Tourism industry stakeholders have welcomed the initiative, but emphasized the need for wider awareness regarding the new fee. “It’s not a major amount, but when it comes to a large group, it matters,” said Samrat Sanyal, general secretary of the Himalayan Hospitality & Tourism Development Network, an apex body representing tourism stakeholders in north Bengal and Sikkim. “We welcome the decision, and hope the funds will be used for the improvement of tourism infrastructure. But at the same time, we hope the fee will be collected should be widely circulated, and the decision should be displayed in hotels and other accommodations to avoid any confusion.”
Exemptions have been made for children below five years of age and those visiting for government work. However, the fee will still apply to tourists each time they re-enter Sikkim, even if they leave the state for just a day during their permitted one-month stay. Tourists who remain in Sikkim for a month will not be required to pay the fee again while checking into other accommodations within the state.
With the new fee in place, Sikkim is set to become a more appealing destination for tourists, with the state government’s efforts to enhance tourism infrastructure and services expected to pay off in the long run.
Original Source: https://news.abplive.com/cities/planning-to-visit-sikkim-tourists-must-now-pay-entry-fee-at-hotels-check-who-is-exempt-1758365
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Publish Date: 2025-03-17 23:55:00
