Press Release
Press Release from Tourism and Civil Aviation Department Government of Sikkim
Information & Public Relations Department
Digital Marketing Training Program for Homestay Operators of Sikkim Commences in Gangtok
Gangtok, January 16, 2025:
A 15-day training program on digital marketing, under the SIKKIM INSPIRES initiative for Quarters 3 and 4, commenced today at Techie Panda, Tadong, Gangtok.
A total of 60 homestay operators from across the state have enrolled in the program, which aims to enhance their digital marketing skills and strengthen their ability to promote their homestays effectively.
The inaugural session was graced by senior officials from the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, including Mr. Vikash Rai (Senior CHA),Mr. Nirmal Cintury (Deputy Director),Ms. Vijeta Chettri (Assistant Director),Mr. Karma Changchup Bhutia (Senior Lecturer, IHM),Ms. Deepa Gurung (Tourist Officer) and attended by representatives from the Technical Support Agency (TSA) including Mr. Ankit Sood (Tourism Expert),Ms. Chungchungla Bhutia (Community-Based Tourism Expert),
Ms. Ranjana Rai (Program Associate),
Mr. Bishal Chettri (CEO, Techie Panda) and other resource person.
The program began with a brief introductory speech by Mr. Nirmal Cintury, Deputy Director, who explained the objectives of the SIKKIM INSPIRES initiative. Mr. Vikash Rai, Senior CHA, emphasized the benefits of such training programs for homestay operators. Mr. Ankit Sood highlighted the importance of digital visibility in effectively marketing homestays.
Mr. Bishal Chettri, CEO of Techie Panda, outlined the structure and roadmap for the 15-day training program, emphasizing its role in equipping participants with valuable digital marketing skills.
During the session, Mr. Vikash Rai also highlighted various other training programs offered under the Homestay and Hospitality section of the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department for the financial year 2024-25, including:
1. Traditional Cuisine of Sikkim
2. Digital Marketing
3. Culinary Arts and Bakery
4. Local Culture and Knowledge
5. Homestay Management
6. Handicrafts/Souvenir Making
7. Wine Making
The initiative aims to provide comprehensive training to local youth and women, empowering them to become independent entrepreneurs or secure employment in Sikkim's non-farm sectors.
The program represents a significant step toward promoting self-reliance and sustainable economic growth within local communities. Homestay operators are encouraged to fully utilize this opportunity to enhance their skills and contribute meaningfully to Sikkim's tourism ecosystem.
The event concluded successfully with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Karma Changchup Bhutia, Senior Lecturer, IHM Sajong, Gangtok.
Gangtok, January 16, 2025:
A 15-day training program on digital marketing, under the SIKKIM INSPIRES initiative for Quarters 3 and 4, commenced today at Techie Panda, Tadong, Gangtok.
A total of 60 homestay operators from across the state have enrolled in the program, which aims to enhance their digital marketing skills and strengthen their ability to promote their homestays effectively.
The inaugural session was graced by senior officials from the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, including Mr. Vikash Rai (Senior CHA),Mr. Nirmal Cintury (Deputy Director),Ms. Vijeta Chettri (Assistant Director),Mr. Karma Changchup Bhutia (Senior Lecturer, IHM),Ms. Deepa Gurung (Tourist Officer) and attended by representatives from the Technical Support Agency (TSA) including Mr. Ankit Sood (Tourism Expert),Ms. Chungchungla Bhutia (Community-Based Tourism Expert),
Ms. Ranjana Rai (Program Associate),
Mr. Bishal Chettri (CEO, Techie Panda) and other resource person.
The program began with a brief introductory speech by Mr. Nirmal Cintury, Deputy Director, who explained the objectives of the SIKKIM INSPIRES initiative. Mr. Vikash Rai, Senior CHA, emphasized the benefits of such training programs for homestay operators. Mr. Ankit Sood highlighted the importance of digital visibility in effectively marketing homestays.
Mr. Bishal Chettri, CEO of Techie Panda, outlined the structure and roadmap for the 15-day training program, emphasizing its role in equipping participants with valuable digital marketing skills.
During the session, Mr. Vikash Rai also highlighted various other training programs offered under the Homestay and Hospitality section of the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department for the financial year 2024-25, including:
1. Traditional Cuisine of Sikkim
2. Digital Marketing
3. Culinary Arts and Bakery
4. Local Culture and Knowledge
5. Homestay Management
6. Handicrafts/Souvenir Making
7. Wine Making
The initiative aims to provide comprehensive training to local youth and women, empowering them to become independent entrepreneurs or secure employment in Sikkim's non-farm sectors.
The program represents a significant step toward promoting self-reliance and sustainable economic growth within local communities. Homestay operators are encouraged to fully utilize this opportunity to enhance their skills and contribute meaningfully to Sikkim's tourism ecosystem.
The event concluded successfully with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Karma Changchup Bhutia, Senior Lecturer, IHM Sajong, Gangtok.