The Sikkim government has implemented a new entry fee of ₹50 per tourist starting this month, with the collected revenue aimed at enhancing tourism infrastructure and services in the state. According to The Telegraph, sources in the state tourism and civil aviation department stated that the fee will be collected by hotels when tourists check into accommodations anywhere in Sikkim, which shares a border with China.
“Last year, the Assembly passed the Sikkim Registration of Tourists Trade Act 2024, wherein it was mentioned that the state can impose a fee on tourists for the development of the sector. It has been implemented from this month,” a source in the department said, as quoted by The Telegraph’s report.
Sikkim Entry Fee: Exemptions And Re-Entry Charge
The state has exempted children below five years of age and those visiting for government work from paying the fee. However, the charge will apply to tourists each time they re-enter Sikkim, even if they leave the state for just a day during the permitted one-month stay. If a tourist remains in Sikkim for a month, they will not be required to pay the fee again while checking into other accommodations within the state.
Sikkim Govt To Use Fee To Improve Tourism Infrastructure And Services
The collected funds will be deposited into the Tourism Sustainable Development (TSD) fund, which will be used to improve tourism infrastructure, including road connectivity and cleanliness. “The state intends to use the revenue that will be generated from the fee to improve tourism infrastructure and services. These include the enhancement of road connectivity and improvement of cleanliness. The idea is to ensure a better experience for people visiting the state,” said an official, as quoted by the report.
Tourism industry stakeholders have welcomed the initiative but emphasised the need for wider awareness regarding the new fee.
“It is not a major amount. But when it comes to a large group, it matters. We welcome the decision and hope the funds will be used for the improvement of tourism infrastructure. But at the same time, that the fee will be collected should be widely circulated and the decision should be displayed in hotels and other accommodations to avoid any confusion,” said Samrat Sanyal, general secretary of the Himalayan Hospitality & Tourism Development Network, an apex body representing tourism stakeholders in north Bengal and Sikkim.
