News & Announcement
IHM Promotes Sustainable Tourism With Workshop on Rural Homestays Under Sikkim INSPIRES
Gangtok, December 19 (IPR): A day-long workshop focusing on empowering rural homestays was organised by the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Sajong, Rumtek, under the Sikkim INSPIRES project of the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Government of Sikkim, here at the Mayfair Spa Resort in Ranipool, today.
The inaugural session of the workshop, titled “Empowering Rural Homestays: A Need for Promotional Strategies for Tourism Stakeholders Focusing on Homestay and Rural Tourism, SHRA, Tourism Students & Academicians”, was attended by Mr Tshering Thendup Bhutia, Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation and Commerce & Industries Departments, as chief guest, along with Mr Sudesh Kumar Subba, Advisor to the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department as the guest of honour.
The programme had the participation of various stakeholders, including tourism students, academicians, homestay owners, industry professionals, members of various associations and officials from the Tourism and other line departments.
In his address, Tourism Minister, Mr Tshering Thendup Bhutia, expressed appreciation for the enthusiasm of the participants in contributing to the development of rural tourism in Sikkim. He acknowledged the challenges posed by the state’s unique land profile and terrain but emphasised that tourism remains the most suitable sector for sustainable economic growth.
Reflecting on the Sikkim INSPIRES initiative, launched in 2023, the Minister shared that significant progress has been made in 2024, with preliminary programmes advancing to an impactful stage. He highlighted that the baseline survey of homestays in Sikkim has already been initiated with the objective to conduct a thorough needs assessment.
Based on the survey results, strategic interventions will be designed and implemented to address the specific requirements of homestay owners and rural tourism stakeholders, he added.
While addressing the challenges in the rural tourism sector, the Minister expressed optimism that the workshop would offer practical solutions through collaborative efforts from all stakeholders. He spoke about the importance of marketing and promotional strategies, urging homestay owners to utilise festivals and cultural events as platforms to attract tourists.
Citing the recent Hornbill Festival in Nagaland, where Sikkim participated as one of the state partners, he shared how the Tourism Minister of Nagaland personally praised the momos prepared by Sikkim’s Self-Help Groups at the festival. This, he noted, highlights the powerful emotional connection that food and culture can foster in promoting a destination.
He further encouraged stakeholders to focus on branding and marketing Sikkim through its unique food, traditions, and natural beauty. He highlighted the importance of creating a unique selling proposition (USP) for each destination, advising that even places without obvious natural attractions can identify a niche offering, build an ecosystem around it, and market it effectively.
He addressed the growing trend of adopting flashy, modern aesthetics in homestays, cautioning against straying too far from Sikkim’s cultural roots. Instead, he advocated showcasing the rustic Sikkimese lifestyle, featuring traditional homes, cultural activities, and communal experiences like fire and food sharing, which create an authentic connection with visitors.
This cultural preservation and promotion cannot be achieved by outsiders—it must come from the local stakeholders, driven by their sentiments and pride in their heritage, he stated.
The Minister underscored the critical role of community engagement, noting that it not only benefits individual homestay owners but also uplifts entire villages. He urged unemployed youth to take full advantage of the opportunities provided by the Sikkim INSPIRES project, stressing the importance of their active participation in shaping the future of rural tourism.
He further encouraged exploring the potential of premium homestays and the growing interest in farmstays, which offer a unique blend of rural living and immersive experiences.
He stressed the need for mass awareness campaigns to educate homestay owners on the “tricks of the trade” and the value of experience-sharing to improve business outcomes. He urged all participants to work toward sustaining and growing the tourism sector, which holds immense potential for boosting Sikkim’s economy.
Highlighting the Chief Minister’s vision for self-sufficiency, he called on everyone to contribute to making Sikkim a “Sunaulo, Samriddha, and Samartha Sikkim”.
The keynote address by Mr Neeraj Pradhan, Principal Chief Engineer (PCE), Tourism Department and Nodal Officer, Sikkim INSPIRES, provided an insightful overview of the challenges and opportunities in transforming rural tourism within the Himalayan context. He discussed key issues such as accessibility, marketing, and promotion, which are critical for the growth of rural tourism in the region.
Mr Pradhan encouraged local village clusters to register with the department, emphasising that sustainable development in rural tourism must stem from within Sikkim. He highlighted the potential of village clusters to become hubs of cultural and natural experiences, attracting eco-conscious and experiential travelers.
He assured participants of the department’s commitment to offering comprehensive marketing and operational support while fostering collaborations to ensure long-term growth and sustainability in rural tourism.
A key highlight of the event was the technical session, comprising of two panel discussions, followed by an engaging workshop.
The first panel discussion, titled “Marketing Rural Homestays", featured distinguished experts including Mr Pinsto Gyatso, General Secretary, Homestay Association of Sikkim and Co-founder, Our Guests In.; Mr Raj Basu, Founder, Help Tourism & Association for Conservation & Tourism; Mr Tshering Gyatso Lepcha, Millet Man of Sikkim and President, Dzongu Tourism Development Association; and Professor Sampada Kumar Swain, D.Litt., FDP (IIM, Indore), Department of Tourism Studies, Pondicherry University..
The discussion explored innovative marketing strategies, highlighting the importance of premium hospitality standards, leveraging local heritage, fostering community engagement and utilising storytelling as a powerful tool to showcase the unique cultural practices of homestay hosts, which can attract tourists seeking authentic experiences.
The panelists also shared valuable insights from both academic and professional perspectives, underscoring the need for creative and sustainable approaches to enhance the appeal of rural homestays.
The second panel discussion focused on “Policy and Support for Homestay Development". Panelists included Mr Neeraj Pradhan, PCE, Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation; Mr Gopal K Chettri, Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce and Industries; and Ms Phursongmit Lepcha, Assistant General Manager, Sikkim State Co-operative Bank Ltd. (SISCO).
This session examined policy frameworks and institutional support mechanisms necessary for strengthening homestays, addressing challenges such as infrastructure, financing, and capacity building.
The technical session also featured a hands-on workshop on sustainable tourism strategies for homestays, facilitated by Mr Sanjay Austa, journalist turned eco-entrepreneur, permaculture practitioner and astronomy enthusiast.
Participants explored topics like sustainable architecture, eco-friendly farming practices, plastic reduction, and innovative techniques to attract guests while maintaining environmental harmony.
Additionally, case study presentations were made by Ms Dekyi Gyatso, proprietor of Biksthang Heritage Farmhouse, West Sikkim and Ms Radha Ghonday, proprietor of Daragaon Village Retreat, West Sikkim.
The event concluded with a valedictory session chaired by Mr CS Rao, Principal Secretary, Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, during which certificates were distributed to the participants.
In his valedictory address, the Principal Secretary highlighted Sikkim's reputation as a leader in adventure tourism and a state renowned for its hospitality.
He reiterated the efforts of the state government and the Tourism Department to enhance connectivity through improved road and air infrastructure. Additionally, he discussed the recently notified Sikkim Registration of Tourist Trade Act, 2024.
He also noted Sikkim's recognition as the best emerging ecotourism state and its commitment to sustainable tourism development. He commended the participants for their seriousness and keen interest while acknowledging their pivotal role in strengthening the sector.
Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by Dr Prerna Chamling, Additional Secretary cum Administrator, IHM.
The inaugural session of the workshop, titled “Empowering Rural Homestays: A Need for Promotional Strategies for Tourism Stakeholders Focusing on Homestay and Rural Tourism, SHRA, Tourism Students & Academicians”, was attended by Mr Tshering Thendup Bhutia, Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation and Commerce & Industries Departments, as chief guest, along with Mr Sudesh Kumar Subba, Advisor to the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department as the guest of honour.
The programme had the participation of various stakeholders, including tourism students, academicians, homestay owners, industry professionals, members of various associations and officials from the Tourism and other line departments.
In his address, Tourism Minister, Mr Tshering Thendup Bhutia, expressed appreciation for the enthusiasm of the participants in contributing to the development of rural tourism in Sikkim. He acknowledged the challenges posed by the state’s unique land profile and terrain but emphasised that tourism remains the most suitable sector for sustainable economic growth.
Reflecting on the Sikkim INSPIRES initiative, launched in 2023, the Minister shared that significant progress has been made in 2024, with preliminary programmes advancing to an impactful stage. He highlighted that the baseline survey of homestays in Sikkim has already been initiated with the objective to conduct a thorough needs assessment.
Based on the survey results, strategic interventions will be designed and implemented to address the specific requirements of homestay owners and rural tourism stakeholders, he added.
While addressing the challenges in the rural tourism sector, the Minister expressed optimism that the workshop would offer practical solutions through collaborative efforts from all stakeholders. He spoke about the importance of marketing and promotional strategies, urging homestay owners to utilise festivals and cultural events as platforms to attract tourists.
Citing the recent Hornbill Festival in Nagaland, where Sikkim participated as one of the state partners, he shared how the Tourism Minister of Nagaland personally praised the momos prepared by Sikkim’s Self-Help Groups at the festival. This, he noted, highlights the powerful emotional connection that food and culture can foster in promoting a destination.
He further encouraged stakeholders to focus on branding and marketing Sikkim through its unique food, traditions, and natural beauty. He highlighted the importance of creating a unique selling proposition (USP) for each destination, advising that even places without obvious natural attractions can identify a niche offering, build an ecosystem around it, and market it effectively.
He addressed the growing trend of adopting flashy, modern aesthetics in homestays, cautioning against straying too far from Sikkim’s cultural roots. Instead, he advocated showcasing the rustic Sikkimese lifestyle, featuring traditional homes, cultural activities, and communal experiences like fire and food sharing, which create an authentic connection with visitors.
This cultural preservation and promotion cannot be achieved by outsiders—it must come from the local stakeholders, driven by their sentiments and pride in their heritage, he stated.
The Minister underscored the critical role of community engagement, noting that it not only benefits individual homestay owners but also uplifts entire villages. He urged unemployed youth to take full advantage of the opportunities provided by the Sikkim INSPIRES project, stressing the importance of their active participation in shaping the future of rural tourism.
He further encouraged exploring the potential of premium homestays and the growing interest in farmstays, which offer a unique blend of rural living and immersive experiences.
He stressed the need for mass awareness campaigns to educate homestay owners on the “tricks of the trade” and the value of experience-sharing to improve business outcomes. He urged all participants to work toward sustaining and growing the tourism sector, which holds immense potential for boosting Sikkim’s economy.
Highlighting the Chief Minister’s vision for self-sufficiency, he called on everyone to contribute to making Sikkim a “Sunaulo, Samriddha, and Samartha Sikkim”.
The keynote address by Mr Neeraj Pradhan, Principal Chief Engineer (PCE), Tourism Department and Nodal Officer, Sikkim INSPIRES, provided an insightful overview of the challenges and opportunities in transforming rural tourism within the Himalayan context. He discussed key issues such as accessibility, marketing, and promotion, which are critical for the growth of rural tourism in the region.
Mr Pradhan encouraged local village clusters to register with the department, emphasising that sustainable development in rural tourism must stem from within Sikkim. He highlighted the potential of village clusters to become hubs of cultural and natural experiences, attracting eco-conscious and experiential travelers.
He assured participants of the department’s commitment to offering comprehensive marketing and operational support while fostering collaborations to ensure long-term growth and sustainability in rural tourism.
A key highlight of the event was the technical session, comprising of two panel discussions, followed by an engaging workshop.
The first panel discussion, titled “Marketing Rural Homestays", featured distinguished experts including Mr Pinsto Gyatso, General Secretary, Homestay Association of Sikkim and Co-founder, Our Guests In.; Mr Raj Basu, Founder, Help Tourism & Association for Conservation & Tourism; Mr Tshering Gyatso Lepcha, Millet Man of Sikkim and President, Dzongu Tourism Development Association; and Professor Sampada Kumar Swain, D.Litt., FDP (IIM, Indore), Department of Tourism Studies, Pondicherry University..
The discussion explored innovative marketing strategies, highlighting the importance of premium hospitality standards, leveraging local heritage, fostering community engagement and utilising storytelling as a powerful tool to showcase the unique cultural practices of homestay hosts, which can attract tourists seeking authentic experiences.
The panelists also shared valuable insights from both academic and professional perspectives, underscoring the need for creative and sustainable approaches to enhance the appeal of rural homestays.
The second panel discussion focused on “Policy and Support for Homestay Development". Panelists included Mr Neeraj Pradhan, PCE, Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation; Mr Gopal K Chettri, Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce and Industries; and Ms Phursongmit Lepcha, Assistant General Manager, Sikkim State Co-operative Bank Ltd. (SISCO).
This session examined policy frameworks and institutional support mechanisms necessary for strengthening homestays, addressing challenges such as infrastructure, financing, and capacity building.
The technical session also featured a hands-on workshop on sustainable tourism strategies for homestays, facilitated by Mr Sanjay Austa, journalist turned eco-entrepreneur, permaculture practitioner and astronomy enthusiast.
Participants explored topics like sustainable architecture, eco-friendly farming practices, plastic reduction, and innovative techniques to attract guests while maintaining environmental harmony.
Additionally, case study presentations were made by Ms Dekyi Gyatso, proprietor of Biksthang Heritage Farmhouse, West Sikkim and Ms Radha Ghonday, proprietor of Daragaon Village Retreat, West Sikkim.
The event concluded with a valedictory session chaired by Mr CS Rao, Principal Secretary, Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, during which certificates were distributed to the participants.
In his valedictory address, the Principal Secretary highlighted Sikkim's reputation as a leader in adventure tourism and a state renowned for its hospitality.
He reiterated the efforts of the state government and the Tourism Department to enhance connectivity through improved road and air infrastructure. Additionally, he discussed the recently notified Sikkim Registration of Tourist Trade Act, 2024.
He also noted Sikkim's recognition as the best emerging ecotourism state and its commitment to sustainable tourism development. He commended the participants for their seriousness and keen interest while acknowledging their pivotal role in strengthening the sector.
Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by Dr Prerna Chamling, Additional Secretary cum Administrator, IHM.