Categories: Travel

Sikkim to charge entry fee from tourists, ET TravelWorld

To save the environment, the Sikkim Registration of Tourist Trade Rules 2025, has introduced a INR 50 entry fee. The fee will be collected from tourists at the time of hotel check-in and will be applicable to all visitors, excluding kids under five years of age and those visiting for official government purposes.

The charge will cover stays of up to 30 days. But suppose a tourist leaves and re-enters the state after this period, they will have to pay the fee again. This new entry fee is a major step toward promoting sustainable tourism in the state of Sikkim.

The INR 50 fee aims to support the development of tourism infrastructure, improve public services, and help preserve Sikkim’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. The introduction of this fee is designed to balance the growing tourism demand with environmental conservation, ensuring that the state can accommodate an increasing number of visitors without compromising its delicate ecosystems and local culture.

Revenue for tourism sustainability development fund

The funds collected from this entry fee are aimed at the Tourism Sustainability Development (TSD) Fund. This dedicated fund will be used to enhance tourism infrastructure, improve road connectivity, maintain cleanliness, and develop other facilities to improve the overall experience for visitors. The TSD Fund is also intended to support long-term projects that will help preserve the state’s natural and cultural resources for future generations.

Tourism industry stakeholders have expressed their support for the initiative, highlighting the importance of clear and transparent communication with tourists to avoid confusion. To ensure smooth implementation, it is recommended that information regarding the fee be prominently displayed at hotels, guesthouses, and other accommodations, so tourists are well-informed about the charge before their arrival.

In his budget speech, Abdullah said that a multi-stakeholder Advisory Committee will be constituted to address key issues and recommend policy measures for the tourism sector. The government aims to increase tourism’s contribution to the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) from 7 per cent to at least 15 per cent over the next four to five years.

Sikkim’s approach to sustainable tourism emphasises the active involvement of tourists in funding infrastructure development. As tourism numbers are expected to rise, the state’s focus on infrastructure improvement and environmental conservation aims to create a balanced, responsible tourism model that can be replicated in other regions. The introduction of this fee marks a progressive step towards sustainable development while providing a better experience for all visitors to the state.This initiative also sets a strong example for other regions looking to implement responsible tourism practices.