Chapter I Tourism: A Conceptual Frameworkshodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/21917/3/chap i... · Web viewChapter I Tourism: A Conceptual Framework 1.1 Tourism: Concept, Definitions,

Chapter I- Tourism: A Conceptual Framework

Chapter I

Tourism: A Conceptual Framework

1.1 Tourism: Concept, Definitions, Types and Historical Development

1.2 Destination: Meaning, Destination Policy, Planning, Development and

Management

1.3 Tourism in the World Scenario

1.4 Tourism in India : An Overview

1.5 Tourism Development in Sikkim

1.5.1 Geographical Importance of Sikkim

1.5.2 Tourism Potentials of Sikkim

1.6 Tourism Products in Sikkim

1.7 Conclusion

Page 1


1.1. Tourism: Concept, Definitions, Types and Historical

Development

n simple terms Tourism is the act of travel for the purposes of leisure,

pleasure or business, and the provision of services for this act. There are two

important components that make up tourism. These are the (i) practice of

travelling for pleasure recreation etc. and (ii) the business of providing tours and

services for persons travelling. The issues incorporated in the first component are

discretionary income (i.e. money to spend on non-essentials), the time involved and

the infrastructure in the form of accommodation facilities and means of transport.

Other component has four basic services to be provided for Tourists. These are, travel

arrangements, board and lodge, food and entertainment.

I

The United Nations Conference on International Travel and Tourism held in Rome in

1963 considered a definition and recommended that it be studied by the United

Nations Statistical Commission. A revised definition was prepared and adopted. The

conference considered the term “Visitor” as ‘any person visiting a country1 other than

that in which he has his usual place of residence, for any reasons other than following

an occupation remunerated from within the country visited.

This definition covered: (i) Tourists, i.e. temporary visitors staying at least twenty

four hours in the country visited and the purpose of whose journey can be classified

under one of the following headings: (a) leisure ( recreation, holiday, health, study,

religion and sport), (b) business, family, mission, meeting. (ii) Excursionists, i.e.

temporary visitors staying less than twenty four hours in the country visited

(including travelers on cruises)

According to Prof. Hunziker and Krapf (1942) ‘ tourism is the totality of relationship

and phenomenon arising from the travel and stay of strangers, provided the stay does

not imply the establishment of a permanent residence and is not connected with a

1 Or a region, province, state/ Union Territory- if domestic tourism and long haul trip by air when the destination is 12000 miles away.

Page 2


remunerated activity.’ Tourism is an activity of traveling people in the places outside

their non-residence, for not more than one year, for business, leisure and other

purposes (UNWTO, 1993).

J. Jafari ( May 2003) said, “tourism now means different things to different people.

To governments, tourism may mean sources of employment, economic activities, per

capita expenditure, and multiplier effects; to the industry sectors, it may suggest

promotion, arrivals, length of stay, receipts; while to religious groups, it brings to

mind pilgrimage, spiritual search, universal brotherhood, unacceptable forms to

tourist practices. To anthropologists, tourism represents a domain of study which

includes contracts between the hosts and the guest, culture change, commoditization

of heritage, prudence. Finally , to the hosts destinations, tourism means American

tourists, Japanese tourists, inflation, intrusion; and to the tourists themselves, tourism

offers escape from the daily routines, indulgence in leisure pursuits, rests and

relaxation, education (p.6)”.

Types and Forms of Tourism

While discussing the types and forms of tourism it is better to identify and consider

the important parameters based on which we get different types and forms of tourism.

These types and forms of tourism are many and no single source of information can

cover all of these. But a detail knowledge and idea of destination resources,

destination environment and destination market analysis can introduce types and

forms rightly. So, types and forms of tourism are largely destination specific and ever

changing keeping in view the changing market areas and demand aspects.

Eco-tourism

Tourism that combines local economic development, protection of the quality of the

environment and promotion of the natural advantages and the history of an area. The

combination of all or some of the above mentioned kinds of tourism could contribute

significantly to the development of tourism in any country. The availability of tourist

packages involving gastronomy, entertainment and information about the cultural

Page 3


wealth of a country should be regarded as a priority issue for tourist agents, as it will

reduce the concentration of tourist activity in certain areas and will improve and

enrich the tourist.

Rural Tourism

Any form of tourism that showcases the rural life, art, culture and heritage at rural

locations, thereby, benefiting the local community economically and socially as

well as enabling interaction between the tourists and the locals for a more enriching

tourism experience an be termed as rural tourism. It is multifaceted and may entail

farm/agricultural tourism, cultural tourism, nature tourism, adventure tourism, and

eco- tourism. The stress of urban lifestyle has led to this counter- urbanization

approach to tourism. There are various factors that have lead to this changing

trend towards rural tourism like increasing levels of awareness, growing interest in

heritage and culture and improved accessibility and environmental consciousness,

Tourists like to visit villages to experience and live a relaxed and healthy lifestyle.

Ethnic Tourism

Ethnic tourism is travelling for the purpose of observing the cultural

expressions of lifestyles of truly exotic people. Such tourism is exemplified by travel

to Panama to study the San Blas Indians or to India to observe the isolated

hill tribes of Assam. Typical destination activities would include visits to native

homes, attending traditional ceremonies and dances, and possibly participating in

religious rituals.

Event Based Tourism

Events are an effective way of attracting visitors. Sikkim has been operating a number

of successful, long-running events, and over recent years new events have been

introduced. Major themes of existing events could be Tibatean food, wine, yak riding,

agricultural-related, fishing, heritage and gardening. Irrespective of the events devised

for Sikkim, it is essential that events are: Relevant to community in which they are

Page 4


held; Spread visitation across the year and the region; Support the theme for the town

and region; Reinforce the name ‘Sikkim and its destinations’ in their publicity; and

Create interest for both local residents and visitors.

Conferences

A noticeable trend in comparatively old destinations of Sikkim is the increasing

emphasis on MICE tourism. Opportunities exist to make greater use of Sikkim for

conferences with a separate positioning. However, tourism related infrastructure

development, quality accommodation etc. need would need to be addressed for future.

Sports Tourism

Sikkim has an immense potentiality for adventure and sports. This highly specialized

tourism activity can ensure quality tourism with high per capita tourist expenditure.

Recreational fishing, trekking, bi-cycling, river running, mountaineering, By working

with facility owners/managers and representatives of sporting organizations, there

may be potential for organized sporting events to be developed during times when the

facilities are not normally used.

Cultural Tourism

The region’s cultural assets need to be utilized to create interesting experience,

opportunities for visitors. The Aboriginal culture at Cherbourg is considered to be

under-utilized as a tourism product, given the high standard of facilities available at

the community's visitor centre with its arts, crafts and botanic gardens. Activities

around the established farming venture have good potential for further development.

Special Interest Tourism

Small Sikkim has a wide ranging scope for special interest tourism with many unique

interest and fabulous experience. Orchid, wine, tea, forests, horticulture and

floriculture, ropeways, helicopter services, lakes are some of the key interest

components for unique experiences.

Page 5


Wine Tourism

Wine tourism is special-interest travel based on the desire to visit wine-producing

regions, or in which travelers are induced to visit wine-producing regions, and

wineries in particular, while travelling for other reasons (Getz, 2000).This definition

is a demand-side understanding of tourism behavior. The emphasis is on

understanding who engages in wine tourism, as well as why (e.g. motivation and

preferences) and how (e.g. where they go or what they do). From the destination’s

perspective (supply-side), wine tourism is developing and marketing wineries,

vineyards, wine events and wine-related themes to attract visitors. Considering both

the demand and supply side aspects of wine tourism in Sikkim it can be said that the

State has a huge potentiality for wine tourism.

Cave Tourism

South Sikkim and West Sikkim are very famous places for ancient caves. Caves,

rocks and Stupas are important resources for cultural and special interest tourists in

Sikkim and almost all North-Eastern states in India.

Historical Evolution and Development

Travelling was always interesting and inquisitive to the global community right from

the early days. In ancient times, man travelled to fulfill basic requirement f gathering

food, he then made settlements and then travelled to sell his surplus crops and to meet

his relations. Man travelled thereafter in search of knowledge as well as business

opportunities. It indicates that the primary motivation for travel was not for pleasure

but mainly for trade, commerce and related activities during those days. Over the

years, new discoveries, automation and increase in wealth, led to travel for the sake

of rest and pleasure to get away from the monotony of daily life. These developments

paved the way for the development of travel and tourism in the subsequent period.

The Phoenicians were probably the first travelers in the modern sense. Full credit

goes to them for the invention of money, in 3000 BC which in turn paved the way for

the development of trade and commerce. Traders could pay for travel and

Page 6


accommodation. This in turn established the way for development of organized

travel. Romans were in fact pioneers of pleasure tourism. They provided necessary

infrastructure such as good roads, places to stay en-route, travel booklets. Frequently,

they visited temples, monuments, pyramids, seaside resorts, spas and the fall of the

Roman Empire in the 5th Century AD, resulted in the fall of their pleasure travel.

This period, even today, is termed as the “Dark Age” for tourism. In the 16 th century,

the introduction of holidays was the landmark in the history of tourism. These

travellers belonged to the elite section of the society. The renaissance, development of

urban system and progress of the road system gave rise to tourism in Europe. Italy

which was the intellectual capital of Europe and attracted noble men from different

parts of Europe who considered travel as essential to complete their education. Thus

the concept of “Grand Tour” became popular. These tourists respected learning,

antiquities and social refinements of the old world. Travel increased with the increase

in new wealth in the hands of the middle class people. The years between 1763 and

1793 were considered to be the golden age of the Grand Tour. These grand tours

included the poets, authors, and intellectuals and they paved the way for popular

tourism in the 19th & 20th centuries. Military expeditions and wars resulted in the

mass movement of people, besides the discovery of new trade routes to hitherto

unknown destinations. In the middle ages the main motive for travel was religion.

Travel for religious purposes was a well established custom in most part of the world.

The spread of religion subsequently led to numerous pilgrims making their way to the

holy land. Pilgrimage provided the necessary impetus for the society to break out

its narrow confines and visit places associated with religion. The powerful

influences of a crusading religion slowly penetrated a foreign land such as

Christianity in Europe and later in America, Islam and Hinduism in Asia. In the 18th

century the middle income group began to travel from village to city, from city to city

and from country to country. The development of good transport and accommodation

further improved tourism. Moreover, the introduction of the railways in 1840 gave a

tremendous boost to tourism. In 1860, the first passenger traffic between Liverpool to

Manchester commenced. Organized rail travel came into being in 1841 when the

Page 7


Baptist preachers of Derbyshire engaged a special train from Leicester to

Loughborongh to take delegates to attend a meeting and bring them back. Later

Thomas Cook took about 570 passengers by Midland countries Railway at a specially

reduced rate in India, on April 16th 1853, the first train service started form Bori

Bunder in Bombay to Thana covering a distance of 33 Kms. Today Indian Railways

have the third largest network in the world under a single management. The rail-road

development was followed by the motor cars which reduced travel time. The boom in

the tourist movement in Europe can be directly linked to the introduction of the

private motor car approximately ten years before the World War I. The development

of the motor car coach and improved road conditions led to a tremendous growth in

travel. While road and rail transport were limited to domestic tourism, the

introduction of steam ships, helped man to cross boundaries and promote inter-

continental travel and promote international tourism. The adventurous seamen like

Christopher Columbus discovered new lands. Travel to America, the “New World”

was considered a land of opportunities and fortunes.

The tourism which was prospering in leaps and bounds suffered a set back during the

World War I. Tourism is global and national scale being possible only in times of

peace and prosperity, suffered yet another set back during the World War II which

brought in economic destruction and political instability. However, the period in

between the two world war saw fair amount of travel and tourism. The development

of Air transport after the second World War in 1950, gave a boost to tourism. The

society experiencing rising standard of living began to reap the benefits of faster and

economic travel through airways. Mass tourism thus emerged on a large scale. The

Industrial revolution was responsible for changes in the economic as well as social

systems prevailing at the time. A large number of factories came up, towns sprang up

which is turn necessitated larger scale migrations from the country sides to the

towns and cities. During the Industrial Revolution, paid annual holidays were

awarded to the workers for work done for a year. Due to long working hours and

poor living conditions, the need for relief was acute for the working class and an

escape was the only answer to the problem. Those who could afford the escape

Page 8


proceeded to various resorts nearby forest and relaxation. Gradually better working

conditions, increase in material wealth and improvement in transport and

communication during the second half of the 19th century, enabled industrial workers

to avail of holidays in faraway places for rest, relaxation and pleasure. Though

travel is as old as man himself and some record of ancient travel is available accurate

analysis of the measurement of travel can be traced back to just 50 years back. In

1975 World Tourism Organization came into existence with its headquarter at Madrid

in Spain. The W.T.O covers all sectors of tourism on world wide basis and provides

statistics to improve and regulate tourism in the world. In 1976, there were nearly

220 million international tourist arrivals in the world. This was an increase of

nearly 90% in the ten years preceding it. Economic fluctuations resulted in a

temporary set back to the growth of tourism in early 70’s and lower

purchasing power had brought this fall in tourist movements. But by 1992, travel

and tourism became the world’s largest industry and by all indications, heritage

and cultural tourism was found to be emerging as the fastest growing segment of the

industry. It provided the world with the employment opportunity and people

earned considerable foreign exchange for the nation concerned. Tourism, being a

smoke less industry, had a great demand in most countries. Increased per capita

incomes coupled with increasing prosperity induced a higher purchasing power

through the increase in the discretionary incomes.

1.2 Destination: Meaning, Destination Policy, Planning, Development

and ManagementThe term development incorporates economic growth and overall structural

development of a society through the eradication of socio-economic and cultural

drawback and adoption of sustainable practices. The term “Destination policy,

planning and development” (DPPD) is essentially an intellectual process that uses

information, judgment and monitoring to make macro-level decisions regarding the

kind of destination that is desirable, the degree to which ongoing performance and

Page 9


related changes in the nature of visitation and the physical character of the destination

are contributing to the achievement of the kind of destination that stakeholders want.

On the other hand “Destination Management” is more a micro-level activity in which

all the stakeholders carry out their individual and organizational responsibilities on a

daily basis in efforts to realize the macro-level vision contained in policy, planning

and development (Ritchie and Crouch, 2003). According to Goeldner et al. (2000),

tourism policy is ‘A set of regulations, rules, guidelines, directives, and

development/promotion objectives and strategies that provide a framework within

which the collective and individual decisions directly affecting tourism development

and the daily activities within a destination are taken’. Development policies for

tourism should consider economic and socio-cultural benefits to the host community;

farming, forestry, handicrafts, small scale industry and non-tourist services and these

sectors should be given the given priority as tourist development (Krippendorf; 1999).

Contemporary tourism policy focuses on competitiveness and sustainability, which

are also the major parameters of tourism destination management (TDM). Successful

TDM involves economic/business management skills balanced with environmental

management capabilities. Economic/business skills are those related to effective

resource development and deployment. Goeldner et al. (2000) refer to: strategic

planning, marketing of the destination, financial management, operations

management, human resources management, information management and

organization management. For destination purposes, strategic planning may be

defined as the process whereby an organization analyses the strengths and

weaknesses with respect to the supply development and demand development,

decides the position it seeks to attain, and defines strategies and programs of activity

to achieve the aims (Morrison, 1989;Goeldner et al., 2000).

According to Walker, J.R., & Walker, J.T. ( 2011), ‘Planning involves selecting the

various goals that an organization wants to achieve and the strategies ( actions) to be

taken to ensure that those goals are accomplished (p.199)’. In organizations or in

destinations, executives or planners determine where the organization is and where it

wants to go. Goals are established for each of the key operating areas covering

Page 10


organizational structures, tourism related legislation and regulations, education and

training programs, availability of financial capital and mechanism to attract capital,

marketing strategies and last but not the least travel facilitation of immigration,

custom etc. Tourism planning begins with a strategic planning ( creating long term

plan) such as a tourism master plan which is also based on an environmental scan that

assesses socio-cultural, technological, economic, educational, political and legal

factors.

Following the Economic Survey of Sikkim (2006-07) it could be said that the people

of Sikkim will achieve their full potential by selecting tourism as a tool for their

growth and development strategy. The document also exhibited that the vision of

Sikkim is to develop a vibrant economy that creates wealth and jobs and provides

choices and opportunities for people to live, work and invest in Sikkim, and to

recognize the values of its unique environment for present and future generations. So,

the objective for tourism development in Sikkim will be recognized within five

years as the top performing tourist economy of its type in India, as a leading

destination for visitors, and as a leading region for North-East Indian business

successes. Besides, five important goals brought to light in the policy document e.g.

management goal, community goal, industry goal, consumer goal, marketing goal.

Several documents for tourism published by the government incorporate the area to

address a strategic business orientation. These are, rapidly growing tourism industry,

strong and diverse nature-based product, proximity to main source markets, high

standards of service and professionalism, sustainable and green marketing approach,

herbs, medicinal plants and rare orchids, Buddhist culture and heritage.

1.3 Tourism in the World ScenarioTourism is emerging as a key driver of 21st century economic and social evolution. It

is the largest creator of jobs, wealth and investment in the world. Over 8% of all jobs

worldwide was dependent on travel and tourism in 1999 and travel and tourism

supported the creation of over 5.5.million jobs per year till 2010. Spending by

international visitors amounted 8% of world exports in 1999 with further impact by

Page 11


the export of Travel & Tourism related goods. In the year 2006, World Travel &

Tourism Council (WTTC) forecasted that the travel & tourism would generate 234

million direct & indirect jobs world wide accounting for 8.7% of the global

employment during the next ten years.

According to them, India is going to be a tourism hot-spot from 2009 to 2018, having

the highest 10-year growth potential. The Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report

2007 ranked tourism in India sixth in terms of price competitiveness and 39th in

terms of safety and security. Despite short- and medium-term setbacks, such as

shortage of hotel rooms, tourism revenues are expected to increase by 42% from 2007

to 2017.

1.4 Tourism in India: An OverviewTourism is an important engine of growth for the economy. There has been a

remarkable growth in the recent years in foreign tourist arrivals to India due to the

various efforts made including promoting India through the Incredible India

campaign in overseas market. It has increased by about 65% from level of 2.38

million in 2002 to 3.92 million in 2005. While the foreign exchange earnings grew by

about 96% during the same period. In the year 2006, the tourist arrivals increased to

4.43 million registering an impressive increase of 14.2% over 2005. With the increase

in the number of flights to & from India coupled with the escalating propensity

among middle class travelers to travel abroad. Indian Outbound market is expected to

get a quantum jump in 2006-2007. The figure may reach 8 million marks with visible

trend. It is estimated that year on 15% growth will be maintained. Among short have

destinations Indians visit Dubai, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Nepal, Srilanka,

Hong Kong, Maccau, Maldives, Uzbekistan, Kazaksthan etc. Among the long Haul

destinations preferences are for USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand and

France, Germany, Austria, Italy and Switzerland. Most of the holidaymakers use the

packages tours offered by tour operators like SOTC, Raj Tours, Cox & Kings etc.

Most national tourism organizations are confident that a vibrant market such as India

will yield high growth, making its desirable target market for 2007-2008 or 2009.

Page 12


Tourism in India is the largest service industry, with a contribution of 6.23% to the

national GDP and 8.78% of the total employment in India. In 2010, total Foreign

Tourist Arrivals (FTA) in India were 5.78 million and India generated about 200

billion US dollars in 2008 and that is expected to increase to US$375.5 billion by

2018 at a 9.4% annual growth rate.[1] The majority of foreign tourists come from USA

and UK. Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan are the top five

states to receive inbound tourists. Domestic tourism in the same year was 740 million.

Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra received the big share

of these visitors. Ministry of Tourism is the nodal agency to formulate national

policies and programs for the development and promotion of tourism. In the process,

the Ministry consults and collaborates with other stakeholders in the sector including

various Central Ministries/agencies, the state governments and union territories and

the representatives of the private sector. Concerted efforts are being made to promote

new forms of tourism such as rural, cruise, medical and eco-tourism. The Ministry of

Tourism also maintains the Incredible India campaign. India can boast of one of the

most ancient civilization in the world. Its rich and diversified culture, tradition,

heritage, cuisine and hospitality are the new source attraction features if tourism. The

7th 5 Year Plan, for the first time, moved towards the promotion of India as an

ultimate holiday destination with its newly introduced beaches, hill stations,

adventure sports and such other alternative tourism attractions as may be

economically viable, environmentally sensitive, socially and culturally respectful.

Page 13

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incredible_India

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andhra_Pradesh

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajasthan

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uttar_Pradesh

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delhi

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamil_Nadu

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kerala

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tourism_in_India#cite_note-0%23cite_note-0


Figure 1.1 Development Initiative of Tourism in India

Development Initiatives Objectives and Importance

The Sargent Committee( 1945,

submitted its report in 1946)

Objectives

To survey the potentials of developing

tourist traffic

To create ways and means of developing

places of tourist interest

To suggest what facilities will be

required

To recommend what actions shall be

taken

To deal with other aspects of tourist

traffic

Importance

Tourism in India developed properly only after

a Central Tourist Organization was set up as a

result of the recommendation of the Sargent

Committee. A separate tourist branch was

created in 1949 but the whole time attention

was confined only to the number of tourist

traffic in the country. Sargent Committee also

recommended one Central Office and regional

offices. It also recommended tourist publicity

cell in Indian Embassies and Consulates all over

the world.

Page 14



Ad hoc Tourist Traffic

Committee 1948

Air Corporation Act (1953)

Objectives

To look after a large number of travel subjects

which included development of both

international and external tourist traffic,

legislative matters, Five Year Plans, travel

agencies, hotel and rest houses, facilitation,

tourist statistics and monthly reports.

Importance

It was entrusted with the job of suggesting ways

and means of promoting tourist traffic to and in

India

A separate tourist traffic branch was set up

under the Ministry of Transport in 1949.

It also participated in conference of United

Nations and its agencies.

It established a coordination with the Ministry

of Railways

It established tourist bureaux in states and

developed tourist centers.

It arranged training programs for tour guides

and escorts.

Objectives and Importance

With the help of this Act the Government of

India nationalized the Air Transport Companies

with two national undertakings namely- Air

India and Indian Airlines

Page 15



Formation of the Ministry of

Tourism ( 1958)

Changes of name of the Ministry

(1967)

Setting up of Jha Committee

( 1963)

A separate tourism department was set up


By the Presidential order dated 14 March 1967,

the Department of Aviation and Tourism which

was under the Ministry of Transport and Civil

Aviation was formed into a separate Ministry

designated as the Ministry of Tourism and Civil

Aviation, with two constituent departments

Department of Tourism

Department of Civil Aviation


Following the report of the Ad hoc Committee

on Tourism also known as the Jha Committee

(1963) which recommended that the public

sector should assume a more positive role in

promoting tourism, the Government of India set

up in 1965 in the Department of Tourism three

separate corporations, viz. Hotel Corporation of

India Limited, India Tourist Transport

Undertakings Limited, India Tourism

Corporation Limited. These three undertakings

were set up under the provision of the

Companies Act 1956.


For better coordination the Government of India

merged Hotel Corporation of India Ltd., India

Tourism Corporation Ltd. and India Tourist

Page 16



Setting up of India Tourism

Development Corporation (1966)

1st ever Tourism Policy of the

Union Government of India

came into being during 1982.

During the 8th 5 Year Plan

( 1992-97), 15 states and 3 Union

Territories had declared tourism

as an industry and four states

declared hotel as an industry.

Transport Undertakings Ltd into one composite

undertaking called India Tourism Development

Corporation.


Only export industry status was accorded and

not the status of an infrastructure industry as

yet.

Advocated private sector participation

Development of selected tourist places

Diversification from cultural related tourism

to holiday and leisure tourism.

Development of adventure sports.

Exploring new source markets

Restoration of national heritage projects.

Launching of national image building.

Providing inexpensive accommodation in

different tourist places.

Improving service efficiency in public sector

corporations.

Streamlining of facilitation procedures.

Eight Plan Program

The Central Sector Tourism Plan

encompassed

(i) Department of Tourism

(ii) India Tourism Development

Corporation

(iii) Man-Power and Institutional

Page 17



The National Committee on

Tourism was set up in July 1986

by the Planning Commission to

prepare a perspective plan for

tourism. This Committee,

headed by Mohammad Yunus,

submitted its recommendation in

November 1987.

The Tourism Finance

Corporation of India (TFCI) was

set up in 1987 with a corpus fund

of Rs. 100 crores.

Finally Tourism Finance

Corporation of India (TFCI) was

set up in 1989.

The National Action Plan for

Tourism ( 1992)

Development


The Committee recommended that the

existing Department of Tourism be it replaced

by a National Tourism Board. It also

recommended a separate group of workforce

with all required skills and competencies. A

suggestion was made to look after the

functioning of the Board.


Its purpose was to cater for the needs of funds

for all tourism related projects in India,

especially large projects.


Socio-economic development of areas.

Increasing employment opportunities.

Developing domestic tourism for the economy

class tourists.

Preserving national heritage and environment.

Development of international tourism

Diversification of tourism product

Increase in India’s share in world tourism.

Other provisions of Action Plan were

Discontinuance of subsidies to star hotels.

Increase in foreign investment

Setting up of a convention city for developing

Page 18



convention tourism.

Selection and development of Special Tourism

Areas( STA)

The most significant feature of the tourism industry is its capacity to generate large

scale employment opportunities particularly in remote and backward areas. It offers

enormous potential for economic utilization of the natural attractions like landscape,

mountains, beaches, rivers etc., which would otherwise remain either idle or under

utilized. It also applies to a multitude of man-made attractions like monuments,

palaces, forts and unique rural and city environments. A desirable feature of tourism

industry is that it employs a large number of women both educated and uneducated. It

has a natural affinity to the nature of women, as hospitality is an industry in which

women have been participating for centuries. In fact, women are in large numbers in

hotels, airline services, travel agencies, handicrafts making, cultural activities and

other tourism related activities. Total employment both direct and indirect

employment inclusive was 20.0 million in 1995-96 (Ministry of Tourism, 1996). The

labour – capital ratio per million rupees of investment at 1985-86 prices in the hotel

and restaurant sector is 89 jobs as against 44.7 jobs in the case of agriculture and 12.6

jobs in the case of the manufacturing industries (Ministry of Tourism, 2010). So,

considering all the segments of tourism industry the job ratio is 47.5 which is still

higher than the manufacturing and agricultural sectors respectively. Under this

scenario we made an attempt to analyze the growth and variation in the international

tourist arrivals in India over the period 1980-81 to 2008-09. The whole period is

again sub-divided into two sub-periods – Period I, ranging from 1980-81to 1990-91,

is the period

prior to the introduction of globalization in Indian economy and the second sub-

period (1991-92 onwards) is the period of global economy in India. Here the null

hypothesis was coefficient of variations (CVs) is identical over two sub-periods i.e.

before and after the globalization.

Page 19


Table 1.1: Variation in the arrivals of tourists from 15 destinations

More

specifically, the coefficient of variation over the years for the period II was

considerably high compared to the period I irrespective of geographical location and

socio-economic disparities. So, tourist arrivals during the period I was more

consistent than period II. The arrivals of tourists from Europe and North American

continents has been drastically loosing consistency with all type increases in variation

though these are believed to have been the most important contributors in the

international tourism receipts for India. This may be because of the poor

infrastructural level, internal civil unrest in various parts of the country and

Page 20

DESTINATIONS CV for sub-

period I

CV for sub-period

II

U.K 26.35968 38.19685

U.S.A 16.85246 56.87918

CANADA 18.25046 51.99451

FRANCE 18.17561 39.81235

SRI LANKA 5.638795 34.42775

GERMANY 18.73812 89.49201

JAPAN 29.22112 29.80759

MALAYSIA 12.55341 41.20553

AUSTRALIA 16.89967 52.95312

NEPAL 22.02095 44.09015

SINGAPORE 18.84868 32.68478

ITALY 23.6091 27.70551

NETHERLAND 28.34046 25.30306

SOUTH KOREA 25.55946 75.90588

SPAIN 29.47905 44.84351


consequent negative promotion, poor hygiene level and hospitality from within the

country. Some important international reasons are world wide threat to terrorism,

global economic recession and industrial downfall in developed countries, changes in

civil aviation marketing, rising up of competitive South/ Asian destinations with

distinct competitiveness and certain special types of tourism.

Variation was comparatively less over two different periods for Japan because of

MICE centric and organized leisure travel while other two countries like Sri Lanka

and Nepal registered a significant variation as the reasons to visit India were different

and related to VFR and common interest tourism.

Another study of international tourist arrivals exhibited the same trend of consistency.

If a tourist arrival is one of the criteria to explain the market trend the Asian and

Australian tourism market are found to be more consistent than European market.

But, European market ensures more tourist arrivals than Asia or Australia or North

American continent. Following is the table showing growth rates of tourist arrivals in

India.

Table 1. 2: Growth Rates of Tourist Arrival in India from top 15 destinations

Page 21


Destination Period I Period II Trend break

R2 D.W. statistic

U.K

U.S.A

Canada

France

Sri Lanka

Germany

Japan

Malaysia

Australia

Nepal

Singapore

Italy

Netherland

South Korea

Spain

6.64*

(6.093)6.40*

(4.816)6.58*

(5.283)4.36**

(2.587)3.38**

(2.482)5.52**

(2.23904.72**

(2.476)4.42*

(3.867)5.55**

(2.609)6.21*

(3.122)4.45*

(3.277)4.13**

(2.118)3.93**

(2.092)9.34*

(3.011)7.09*

(3.538)

6.96*

(14.95)8.21*

(9.449)7.75*

(10.97)4.53*

(5.452)3.77*

(3.984)4.84*

(5.917)5.59*

(6.486)5.60*

(10.01)6.59*

(6.319)6.83*

(8.304)5.64*

(7.85)3.48*

(4.678)6.43*

(6.426)13.18*

(11.13)6.37*

(9.428)

0.32(0.381)1.81**

(2.008)1.17***

(1.703)0.16(0.123)0.38(0.432)-0.68(-0.362)0.87(0.603)1.17(1.367)1.03(0.649)0.62(0.407)1.18(1.183)-0.64(-0.431)2.50***

(1.816)3.83***

(1.83)-0.72(-0.464)

0.97

0.97

0.96

0.88

0.92

0.56

0.90

0.96

0.91

0.92

0.94

0.70

0.93

0.94

0.81

1.75

1.82

1.62

1.71

1.53

2.13

1.77

1.56

2.11

2.17

1.82

2.12

1.99

2.08

1.62

*, ** and *** mean significant at 1%, 5% and 10 % respectively.

The above table interprets that tourist arrivals from European countries were

traditionally inconsistent with negative trend break for three countries and poor

differences. It may be because of a negative image caused by poor quality

infrastructure, poor hospitality and hygiene condition, rigid regulatory access to

airports and other entrance areas, internal civil unrest etc. Some other important

Page 22


global factors were economic recession, threat to terrorism, emergence of other

competitive Asian destination and underestimation of MICE tourism, special interest

tourism, adventure tourism, shopping and recreation tourism and such other forms of

tourism as may be found to be important for changing Unique Selling Proportion

(USP). This market study exhibited an over all two types of market trends viz.

consistent and inconsistent. European market was found to be inconsistent and

dwindling. It is also noticeable that the number of arrivals from European countries

was considerably high over all period of time. A concrete and concerted

understanding of demand and supply will contribute to the overall development and

marketing strategy of Tourism Destinations for European market in India.

So, inconsistently high number of tourist arrivals from Europe has shown an

oscillatory ever fluctuating market trends for which supply components of tourism

can be unstable along with the cumulative effects of seasonal fluctuations. Again

dependencies on Asian and Australian tourists have led to an Asia-Centric market. So

present International Tourism Market for India is traditionally ‘European Tourism

development directed’, but practically consistent only for non-European countries.

1.5 Tourism Development in SikkimSikkim is a small hilly state, bounded by vast stretches of Tibetan plateau in the

North, the Chumbi Valley and the kingdom Bhutan in the East, the kingdom of Nepal

in the west and Darjeeling (West Bengal) in the South. Its latitude is 27030l north and

the longitude is 88030l east. Sikkim is famous for scenic valleys, forest, snow clad

mountains, magnificent Buddhist culture and heritage and peace-loving people.

Though small, the environmental, social and cultural diversities are not so.

Sikkim has been given many names. The Lepchas, original inhabitants of the land

called it Nye-mae-el `paradise'. The Limbus named it Su Khim or `new house' while

to the Bhutias it was Beymul Demazong `the hidden valley of rice'. Some scholars

believe that the word Sikkim involves Nepalese dialect and it refers to a ‘now place’

or the term has been derived from a Sanskrit word which means a ‘mountain crest’.

The people of Sikkim have ethnic diversity. The Bhutias came from Tibet, the

Page 23


Lepchas were the aboriginal community and the Nepalese came from Nepal. When

Sikkim was an independent state it faced many invasion by its neighboring countries

and the king took the help of the British India and, later, gifted some of its region

including Darjeeling to the British India. Now this 22nd Indian State (joined Indian

Union in 1975) has Over 81% of the total geographical area under the administrative

managerial control of the Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India.

Over 45% of the total geographical area of the state is under tree cover and nearly

34% of the geographical area is set aside as protected area network in the form of

national park and wildlife sanctuary.

1.5.1 Geographical Importance of SikkimThe second smallest State of the Indian Sub-Continent, Sikkim is situated in the

mighty Eastern Himalayas spreads below the world’s third highest mountain

Kanchenjunga worshipped by the Sikkimese as their protective deity. Sikkim is

separated by the Sangalila range from the Nepal in the West, Chola range from Tibet

in the North-East and Bhutan in the South-East.Rangit and Rangpo rivers with the

Indian State of West Bengal in the South. On the west side is the massive 31 km. long

Zemu glacier.

Page 24


Figure 1.2: Four districts of Sikkim

Source: http://www.sikkim.gov.in/ dated 31.7.2011.

In term of longitude the state of Sikkim is bounded by 8800’58’’ East and 8855,25,,

East of longitudes (east of Greenwich) while in its latitudinal extent the state lies

between 2704,46,, North and 2807,48’’ North latitudes i.e. North of Equator. In its

area, the state roughly stretches for about 112.70 kilometers in north south direction

Page 25

http://www.sikkim.gov.in/


and for about 64 kilometers in its east-west direction. The total geographical area of

the state as par Census of India is 7906 square kilometers.

Physiography

The “thimble sized” Sikkim is like an irregular rectangular in shape and rugged and

mountainous state. Even the river valleys too limit themselves to the course through

which they flow with a rare exception of tiny level patches found here and there. The

streams and rivulets don’t flow through gorgeous channels, at places resembling to

mini canyons. The territory falling within the state runs through the inner Greater

Himalaya and the snow clad mountains appear to be projecting southward. The whole

Sikkimese landscape provides a sweeping panorama of mountains, sky and emerald

lakes cupped in the towering folds of rock- walls. During the organic, i.e. , ‘mountain

building’ process as a result of compressional forces the stratified sediments of the

Tethys Sea were folded. However, the least affected places by the bucking up forces

were not drained out and thus created some exotic reservoirs of water. The Green

Lake is one such instance. Sikkim is separated from the neighboring foreign lands,

i.e. Bhutan, Tibet, and Nepal by way of wall like steep mountain-peaks which range

in their elevation from 3600 meters to 9100 meters above mean sea level. It is only in

the South that it has no such physiographic barriers which separate it from West

Bengal. The Dongkya range is situated in the eastern side and forms a section of the

Indo-Tibetan Border and passes southwards along the Indo-Bhutan frontier. On an

average, its altitude covers around 5000 meters above mean sea level but its loftiest

elevation is located in the northern part charecterised by a 7134 meters high peak,

above the mean sea level. This wall like steep peak feature on the east is negotiable

through the strategic passes of the Nathula (4750 meters or 15512 feet), Jelepla (4450

meters or 13254 feet) and Wangkurla (4320 meters or 12998 feet) passes. Other

passes are Kinchinjahan (6900 meters or 22700 feet), the Siniolchu (6815 meters or

22620 feet) and the Chorniome (6800 meters) above the mean sea level, located on

the Sikkimese Himalaya. In between the loftiest mountains on the eastern and westen

sides of Sikkim, are located many deeps, narrow and canyon like gorgeous valleys

Page 26


with the valley of Teesta as the Principle valley of Sikkim. Following are the major

peaks in or around Sikkim.

Figure1.3: Major Peaks in or around Sikkim

Source: http://www.sikkim.gov.in/ dated 31.7.2011.

Drainage

The drainage pattern of Sikkim is dendritic in nature i.e. the criss-crossing streams of

the region appear like a tree wherein the Teesta river in its lower course is the trunk,

whereas, other streams, rivulets and torrents are the branches, sub-branches, twigs

and leaves. Moreover, the drainage pattern of is consequent. In other words the rivers,

streams and rivulets of Sikkim are post-Himalayan in origin.

Rainfall

An examination of available rainfall data shows that the mean annual rainfall is

minimum at Thangu (82 mm.) and maximum at Gangtok(3494 mm.). An isohyetal

analysis of these data reveals that there are two maximum rainfall areas (i) South-East

quadrant, including Mangan, Singhik, Dikchu, Gangtok, Rongli etc. (ii) South - West

corner including Hilley. In between these two regions, there is a low rainfall region

e.g. Namchi. Rainfall in this area is about half of that in the former areas. There is an

area in the North- West Sikkim, which gets very little rainfall (even less than 4.9

mm.). This area has mainly snow-covered mountains. Rainfall is heavy and well

distributed during the months from May to early October. July is the wettest month in

Page 27

http://www.sikkim.gov.in/


most of the places. The intensity of rainfall during Southwest monsoon season

decreases from South to North, while the distribution of winter rainfall is in the

opposite order. The highest annual rainfall for the individual stations may exceed

5000 mm. and average number of rainy days (days with rain of 2.5 mm. or more)

ranges from 100 at Thangu to 184 at Gangtok. The average rainfall varies between

125 cm and 500 cm. Gangtok receives about 360 cm. of annual rainfall while Namchi

and Nayabazar receive 155 cm. and 140 cm. of annual rainfall. During the winter a

sizeable part of the state receives copious snowfall.

Climate and Temperature

Valleys characterized by elevations of less than 600 meters above sea level

experience moist tropical or humid tropical climate. But as one climbs up, the

temperatures start falling and areas laying between 600 meters to 2000 meters above

sea level enjoy cool temperate climatic conditions. Further up, it is cold temperate

climatic conditions which prevail in area having elevation between 2000 meters to

3000 meters above mean sea level.

The foothill zone adjacent to the West Bengal border experiences relatively high

temperatures during summer. Elsewhere the summer are pleasant or cool or cold

depending largely on altitude. At Nayabazar, situated at the most southern section of

the state, the temperatures are as high as 400 C during Summer. But when one goes

towards the southern part with rising relief, there is Namchi (350C during the

summer). These are however, the maximum temperatures during the summer season

and the minimum temperatures may fall by 50 C. As one goes high and high, the

temperature falls and coldness increases till the snowline is reached which itself is

determined by altitude and aspect. The area which have elevation of more than 5000

meters above sea level have perpetually snow-clad mountains and obviously enjoys

Arctic type of climate.

In January the temperatures in Sikkim range from 40 to 140 C (390 to 570 F); In May

the temperatures range from 140 to 220 C (570 to 720 F). Though Sikkim is an integral

part of India its climatic condition largely varies from the main land. This region can

Page 28


not be simply defined as “monsoonal” or Tropical Moist”. The Capital city, exotic

Gangtok enjoys the summer temperature ranging from 23.30 C to 21.30 C respectively.

Nearest Railway Station

The closest railhead is at New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal, 148 km from Gangtok.New

Jalpaigiri and Siliguri are well connected with Kolkata, Guwahati and other major

Indian Cities. But reservation service is available at special booking office in

Gangtok.

Nearest Airport and Helicopter Service

The closest Indian airport is at a distance of 124 km from Gangtok at Bagdogra, in

West Bengal. Bagdogra is well connected with Kolkata, New Delhi, Guwahati and

other major Indian cities. Though Sikkim has no airport as such, yet its helicopter

service are among the very few chopper services in India. The Bagdogra airport is

connected to Gangtok by a helicopter service, which takes approximately 30 minutes

to Gangtok. Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation operates this service daily.

Road

NH-31 is the life line of Sikkim. Gangtok is well connected by this NH31 and 114 km

from Siliguri and takes 4hours by Bus and less then 4 hours by other vehicles.

Gangtok is also connected by road with Darjeeling, Kalimpong and with Bhutan,

Phuntsholing (6 hrs.). the longest north-south distance is about a hundred kilometers

and the east-west breadth ranges between 60 and 70 kilometers. Its total area is 7299

square kilometers.

Forestry and Wildlife Sector

Aforestation is one of the major activities of the Department. Although a forestation

was carred out since inception of the Department, it took pace with the announcement

of the year 1995 as Harit Kranti Year by the Government. Since then the State

Page 29


Government has given top priority for creating more and more green cover in forests

as well as in private wastelands. Since then, over 45000 hectare of degraded forest

lands and about 15000 hectare of private land has been covered by tree, fodder,

fuelwood and ornamental plantations and by aided natural regeneration. Forest

Protection: Of late, protection of forests has become the challenging task for the

Department. With the explosion of population, the hunger for more and more timber

and other forests produce has risen. Establishment of Wireless Communication

Network: To protect forests from illegal felling and theft of forest produce, the

department has established wireless communication network connecting the Blocks

with the Ranges, Sub-Divisions, Divisions and Circles of both the Territorial and

Wildlife Wings. Amendment Sikkim Forests, Water Courses, Road Reserve

(Protection and Preservation) Act,1988.

Kanchanjunga National Park: The initial area of this National Park was 850 sq. km.

The park area was extended to 1784 sq. km. for conservation of high altitude flora

and fauna o the state. Kanchanjunga Biosphere Reserve: It is with the core area of

1784 sq.km. and buffer zone of 835.92 sq.km. It was declared a biosphere reserve on

7th February 2000. State level Biosphere Reserve Committee and Biosphere Reserve

Committee ( local committee) were constituted vide Notification No. 369/F, ENV&

WL dated 16th December 2000.The Management Plan of the Biosphere Reserve for

the year 2001-02 with the financial target of Rs. 101.72 lakh has been submitted to

the Ministry of Environment and Forest, Govt. of India. Himalayan Zoological Park:

It is located at Bulbuley near the Capital of Sikkim. The initial project costs were

Rs.467.00 lakhs. The infrastructural development of the zoological park started in the

8th Five Year Plan. A revised form of the Project has been introduced in the year

2000-01 with the target of Rs.1060.00 lakhs.

1.5.2 Tourism Potentials of Sikkim Sikkim is politically divided into 4 Districts, North (Mangan) being away from large

market of West Bengal but with immense tourism potentialities. The capital city of

Gangtok enjoys the development of infrastructure, all modern civil amenities,

Page 30


access to health and education facilities and employment opportunities compared to

all other 3 Districts, South (Namchi) West (Gyashing) and East (Gangtok). Moreover

North Districts is unfavorable in terms of its topography because of extreme climate

and mountainous terrain, which range in height from 17,000ft to 28,000ft., unlike the

other districts. The habitations are scattered, there are very few roads and the area is

traversed by a single state highway, only 7.69% of Sikkim’s population live in this

district, which account for 60% of land area, its population density is consequently

extremely low at only 7 persons per sq. kms. compared to 187, 131,84 in East , South

and West Districts respectively. Following is the figure showing the trends of tourism

growth in terms of arrivals of tourists in Sikkim.

Figure 1.4: Tourist Arrivals of Sikkim

Source: Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation, Govt. of Sikkim

This diagram has clearly exhibited the growth trends from 1980 to 2011 with a

dwindling trend for the last few years. This is also noteworthy to mention that the

domestic tourist arrivals largely influence the overall market trend for tourism in

Sikkim.

As the tourist arrival is one of the certain economic variables, its measurement of

growth rate is imperative in destination development literature. The most appropriate

Log-Lin model was used to compute the growth rate of tourist arrivals.

Page 31


Here, the basic model is ,

,

which on taking logarithm becomes

.

Taking , = and = , the model can be rewritten as

Adding the disturbance term to the above model we have

where,

For domestic tourists arrivals the model is derived to be,

And the same for international tourists arrivals is,

Keeping in view the above equations with positive growth rates, it may be forecasted

that the arrivals of both the types of tourists will increase for the next years also. The

forecasted arrivals of tourists are 6,15,383 and 24,101 for domestic and international

tourists respectively. From the measure of ‘Coefficient of Variation’ (CV) it may be

noted that the domestic tourist arrival is more fluctuating with its CV of 0.11 and the

same for the foreign travellers is .084.

1.6 Tourism Products in SikkimGangtok

Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim. Its name generally means “High Hill”. Situated at

over 5000 feet above sea level, the city looks to be tucked away in a cloud sprawling

over a hill. The third highest mountain peak, Kanchanjunga can be viewed as a

spectacle of wonder’s manifold. Some of the important sites of Gangtok, like the

Palace Chapel Tsuklakhang, the deer park, Institute of Tibetology and the Nymgyal

chorten are located on the spine of the ridge.

Page 32


Tusklakhang

Tusklakhang Royal Chapel is situated on a level ground of the Palace complex. On all

corners of the Chapel are located at the formidable heads of snow lions-wood

sculpture in relief. Magnificent wooden sculpture can also be found inside the Chapel.

The sculpture is highlighting the massive Buddhist murals the adorn the walls. An

eternal butte-lamp light the floor to ceiling alters, housing the deities and the

sculptures. This place is also important as a venue of almost all festivals. To worship

Kanchanjunga its indigenous warrior dance and Hat dance to celebrate the New Year

are some of the festivals celebrated in this chapel. Previously the coronation of

Chogyals, Oath taking by counselors and royal weddings were celebrated inside the

chapel.

The Research Institute or Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

This institute is situated at the top of the hill and was established to promote research

on Tibet and Mahayana Buddhism. This institute is known as the highest seat of

learning among the Mahayana scholars. It was inaugurated by Pandit Nehru on

October 1, 1958. The institute has its interiors lavishly decorated with great murals

and ornate wood carvings. The cabinets of the halls contain a vast library of Tibetian

deities. It contains a greatest collection of books on Mahayana Buddhism. The

museum of the institute also contains two hundred icons, prized objects of traditional

art, ritualistic chortens, brass bells, Dorjis (thunder bolts), Rosaries, thangkas ( hand

printed scrolls woven or appliqué), are the main collection of the museum which have

won international prestige. This institute is open from Monday to Saturday.

Deer Park

On the southern fringes of Tashiling, a valley drops a sheer thousand meter below and

the Deer park of Gangtok. An image of the lord Buddha in his preaching posture can

be found in the park. Originally the park is a sanctuary for deer. To walk around, to

the smoothing ripples of the Rongnek, stream added with the charming site of spotted

deer and long horned antilopes would really prove to be a prized walk.

Page 33


Orchid Sanctuary

it is situated below the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology. A large variety of orchids

ranging from the commonest variety to rarest ones are found in the sanctuary.

Government Cottage Industries Institute

This multi-craft institute is actually named after the last Chogyal Palden Thondup.

The locally available handicrafts are sold in this institute. Beautiful hand woven

woolen carpets with traditional Sikkimese motifs and and unique designs and

combination are in great demand in Sikkim and abroad. The handsome woolen

texture and durables, plush and are dyed not with synthetic dyes but traditional

Sikkimese vegetable dyes. The design varies from sophisticated harmonious tones to

the rioting of vermillion against intense blues. Another exclusive product of the

institute is the Sikkimese table locally called Choktse. It is foldable and prepared in

varying desins and dimensions. The hand-made paper is an another product

demanded inside and outside the state. The traditional Sikkimese weaves and woolen

blankets which can be designed into bags, shawls, jackets, opulent Sikkimese thankas

( traditional tapestry) leather works, dolls, Appliqué work, batiks, and exquisite

selection of dolls, and variety of fashionable garments for modern people are the

other displayed specialties of the institute.

Gate Ways

The Gateways of Gangtok city have been designed in a very attractive and artistic

manner. There is a strange enchantment and charm about these gates. The gate that

spans the entrance to Tashiling has a beauty of its own. The Sikkimese art and the

minute skill depicted by the indigenous artists are visible on these structures.

Khabelongstok

At a distance of about 21km from Gangtok is located a historic Kabi or

Khabelongstok the venue where blood brotherhood was sworn between Khye-Bumsa,

the renowned ancestor of Namgyals, the former ruling house of Sikkim and Thekong

Page 34


Tek the then and last Lepcha Chief. A memorial stone adorns the place as a testimony

to the historic and sacred agreement. Thousands of prayer flugs stand on the hill

above and people from all corners of the state come to show their religious attitude

and spiritual salvation.

Flower Festival and in Gangtok and Namchi

As Sikkim is known to have a wide range of flowers and plants, flower festivals are

in vogue in Sikkim’s culture of its nature loving people. These frower festivals draw a

great number of target clienteles. Sikkim is the home to the rare species of

Rhododendrons, orchids, primulas, and host of other flowers, which is exhibited

throughout the year at the annual flower festival that is being held in Gangtok, for

tourists. Flower festival at Namchi needs special attention for the floricultural

potentialities throught the State.

Samdruptse

The State Government has embarked on a very ambitious project of implementing the

project of constructing a 108 feet statue of the Lord Guru Padmasambhava at

Samdruptse in South Sikkim at a total cost of Rs. 6 crores. The project is being

speedily implemented and the necessary infrastructure Such as road, water, site

leveling etc. had completed. The Government of Sikkim has entrusted the religious

aspects of the construction of the statue, the design and its dimensions to Ven.

Dodrupchen Rimpoche. To facilitate tourists moving up from Namchi to Samdruptse

and in order to give them a panoramic view of Namchi town, the Department has

completed process of installing a ropeway from Namchi to Samdruptse.

Adventure activities and Sikkim

Sikkim is abounded with a variety of adventure activities. From a mere offering of

leisure, pleasure and recreation, Sikkim is increasingly intended to attract alternative/

responsible tourists by targeting an environmentally conscious clienteles. In future,

adventure activities and sports will gain a currency over conventional mass tourism,

Page 35


particularly among the foreign independent travelers. The river stretch of the river

Teesta, lofty mountains and their peaks, lush green forest, idyllic snow-clad

mountains, forbidden exotic local people in inaccessible areas, multiethnic

communities and above all the calm, coolness and complete quiet make the place

ideal for explorers, drifters and adventurers. Its adventure activities include the

following:

River rafting/ running: Sikkim has a world famous river-stretch in the river Teesta

that attracts thousands of river runners in the country and outside the world. River

Rangeet also offers a white water action with every blend of the revealing new

panoramas-gorges with vegetation covered vertical walls soaring from the swift

waters, luxurious waterfalls and tranquil lakes.River Running Infommation

Sikkim Tourism organizes package programs during October –November and can

prepare special itineraries for interested groups. Prior permission is required for

conducting rafting. Teesta Experience: Makha—Sirwani—Bordang—Rangpo

Rangeet Experience: Sikip—Jorethang—Majitar—Melli. Kayaking: Kayaking is

done in relatively calm water. But in Sikkim, Kayaking is undertaken on the Teesta

river for very experienced adventurers. Trekking: Sikkim is a place for novice as well

as the most experienced trekkers. Trekkers get all types of assistance from Adventure

Division of Sikkim Tourism in Gangtok or from any recognized Travel Agents. The

following itineraries have been drown up with Yuksam as base. Trekkers hut along

trek routes are at Pemayangtse, Khachopalri, Yuksam, Tsokha, Dzongri, Thangshing,

Tashiding, Varsey, Yangang, Rabongla, Sang andSikip. Some of the important treks

are:Rhododendron Trek (March-May): Nayabazar—Hilley/Soreng—Versey—

Dentam—Pemayangtse. Kanchanjunga Trek ( Mid March-Mid June/ October-

December): Yuksam—Bakim—Tsokha—Dzongri—Thangshing/ Bikbari—

Zemathang/ Chaurigang—Goecha la/ Rathong Glacier and back. Coronation Trek

(October—December):Rumtek—Sang—Yangang—Rabongla—Tashiding—Yuksam.

Page 36


Trekking Information

The treks will not be exceptionally difficult though one must be in good physical

shape before taking the journey, since the altitude varies from 6000 ft. to around

14000 ft. Some trekking experience is required and a good guide familiar with the

topography will be advisable. Most of the camps have primary Health Centers but it

is advisable to have personal medical kits. Equipments include the light weight

trekking shoes, two/ three pairs of woolen shirts, thick trousers, pullovers, wind proof

jacket, cap, anti-sunburn cream, sleeping bags. Rack sacks, sleeping bags,. Tents,

jackets can be hired from the Tourism Office at very nominal rate. Besides, all

environmental rules and regulations, general rules need to be maintained.

Rumtek Monastery

It is just 24 km. away on the lower valleys of south-west Gangtok. It is the

headquarter of Kagyu (black hat) order of Tibetian Lamaistic Buddhism. It has the

typical monastic paintings and intricate woodwork. After 1959 the older Sikkim

perched on the spur of the hill has recently been renovated but without interfacing

with the original traditional architecture. The monastery .

Forestry and Wildlife

Sikkim is situated in a geographically fragile and ecologically sensitive mountainous

terrain and has over 81 per cent of the total geographical area of the State under the

administrative control of Forest, Environment and Wildlife Department. The forest

cover has increased from 37 per cent to about 45 per cent of the total geographical

area of the State during the last two decades.

Biodiversity:

Totally five types of forests are found in Sikkim comprising the total vegetation and

largely depends on the altitude of the area. They are: Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest,

Sub-Tropical Semi-Evergreen Forests, Temperate Broad Leaved Forests, Sub-Alpine

Page 37


Mixed Coniferous Forests and Alpine Scrubs. This small mountainous terrain is

abound by four hundred species of flowering plants, three hundred species of ferns

and allies, eleven species of oaks, eight species of tree ferns, forty species of Primulas

and twenty species of bamboo, five hundred fifty five species of Orchids, thirty six

species of rhododendrons and nine species of conifers. A large number of medicinal

herbs and shrubs are found in Sikkim. A large variety of plants and algae have very

good quality food value for humans. A wide variety of faunal species include one

hundred forty four species of mammals, six hundred species of birds, five hundred

fifty species of butterflies and thirty three species of reptiles and sixteen species of

frogs.

1.7 Conclusion

This chapter has conceptualize tourism phenomenon of Sikkim with respect to a

broader aspect. An understanding of the differences and similarities between

marketing for goods/ services and destination has been sought along with the analysis

of the marketing environment with its strategic orientation that is evident in Sikkim.

The analysis and interpretation of this chapter essentially started with the arrival data

of tourists as it implies the demand for a destination and pushes supply components

therein. This arrival data, along with the sector specific importance, helped in

understanding the trend of visit, growth rate pattern and peak and trough of the

demand. Though Sikkim has a trend of the increasing domestic and international

tourist arrivals, yet it is underperforming with limited routes, poor number of foreign

tourists and poor per-capita spending of tourists. The growth percentages for domestic

tourists were found to have double digits mostly after the year 2002. The forecasted

growth rate for the arrivals of domestic and international tourists were 615383 and

24101 respectively in the year 2013 without considering the recently occurred earth

quake in 18th September, 2011. The analysis of trend also highlighted a massive

growth during 2007-08 and the number of persons visited was always higher than the

Page 38


year 2004-05. Earlier analysis is contradictory in that the peak season2 for domestic

tourism in Sikkim is found during the months of April to June afterwards the rainy

season starts and the number of arrival decreases. Though the month of April is found

to be ever increasing in terms of domestic tourist arrivals over the years, yet a peak

and trough is noticeable through the fluctuation in domestic tourist arrivals during the

months of May and June over the years. The dominant position of domestic tourist

arrivals in Sikkim with this fluctuating mode may unstable supply side components of

the destination and its management. This will have an adverse impact on foreign

tourist arrivals also. The direction of tourism development with all supply

components has to be determined as to how to manage all resources and its allocation.

Types of tourism, types of tourists, spending pattern, future intention and retention

study, alternative routes and channelization of tourist traffic are found to be the core

areas of development and management of Sikkim as a destination.

2 It is noteworthy that the peak season and lean season separately for domestic and international tourists were found in this study.

Page 39

Documents

Chapter I Tourism: A Conceptual Frameworkshodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/21917/3/chap i... · Web viewChapter I Tourism: A Conceptual Framework 1.1 Tourism: Concept, Definitions,