Sikkim expands homestays, boosts tourism infra to drive sustainable rural development: Tourism Minister

Tshering Thendup Bhutia, Minister of Tourism & Civil Aviation, Sikkim, said the state is prioritising sustainability and rural empowerment through its mega homestay initiative, under which more than 1,000 homestays have been allotted to beneficiaries across the state. He emphasised that strong infrastructure is essential for economic progress, noting that the government has taken proactive steps over the past six years to create innovative tourism facilities at key destinations. These efforts, he said, aim to promote responsible tourism while strengthening local livelihoods and preserving Sikkim’s natural and cultural heritage.