Two-Day Workshop on Community-Based Tourism Organised at Dzongu
Mangan, January 22 (IPR): A two-day entry-level workshop on community-based tourism (CBT) under the Sikkim INSPIRES initiative was organised by the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department in collaboration with the Sikkim United Tourism Organisation at BAC Passingdang in Dzongu, today.
The programme was attended by Up-Adhakshya Ms Sonam Kipa Bhutia, BDO Dzongu Mr Mahindra Tamang, resource persons from TSA/World Bank Mr Ankit Sood and Ms Chung Chungla Bhutia, Tourist Officers Ms Deepa Gurung and Mr Dawa Thendup Lepcha, along with Panchayat Presidents, Zilla and Ward Panchayat members, SHGs, various stakeholders, NGOs, homestay owners, staff of the Tourism Department, and representatives from the Sikkim United Tourism Organisation.
Sikkim INSPIRES aims to foster sustainable and inclusive tourism development by empowering local communities and promoting self-reliance through tourism and non-farm sectors. The workshop focused on assessing region-specific needs for tourism-based training programmes and familiarisation (FAM) tours. Participants engaged in PRA exercises, working in groups to identify strengths, challenges, resources and seasonal trends relevant to the region.
In her address, the Chief Guest, Ms Sonam Kipa Bhutia, expressed appreciation to the state government and organisers for their efforts to highlight Dzongu’s rich cultural and natural heritage. She emphasised the need to promote self-reliance among the youth and urged participants to actively train and implement their learnings for the benefit of the region. Ms Bhutia encouraged the public to make the most of the initiative and work collectively to develop Dzongu into a sustainable tourism destination.
BDO Dzongu, Mr Mahindra Tamang, also expressed his gratitude and assured his full support for the initiative. He noted the immense potential of Dzongu for tourism development and stressed the importance of identifying and addressing these opportunities to maximise the region’s growth and sustainability.
Stakeholders highlighted the unique attributes of Dzongu and advocated for a high-value, low-volume tourism approach prioritising quality over quantity. They emphasised the need to integrate development with the conservation of heritage and culture, while also addressing sustainable tourism planning in the disaster-prone terrain of the region. The need to focus on the region’s unique selling points and ensuring collaboration among stakeholders was also highlighted as crucial for strengthening Dzongu’s tourism potential.
It may be mentioned that tomorrow, the workshop training will include tours and visits to the various regions of Dzongu.
