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Welcome to Travel Agents Association of Sikkim

Bulletin / Notice

Press Release

16-Dec-2013

Following the decision of the Core Committee meeting constituted to host the Sikkim Winter 

Carnival 2013 at Gangtok, Sikkim, a delegation involving of Sikkim Tourism, TAAS & SHRA organised 

a Promotional Meet on Sikkim Winter Carnival 2013 and future promotion of Sikkim at centrally 

located venue (FLOATEL, Kolkata) on date 14th

The event was organised by SIKKIM TOURISM in coordination with TAAS & SH&RA where a large 

numbers of invitees constituting Government officials, Travel Writes, Journalist, Press & Media, 

Local Televisions, Photo Journalists, Tour Operators, Confederation of Indian Industry, Indian 

Chamber of Commerce, Sikkim lovers etc. were present to witness the promotion of Sikkim 

Winter Carnival 2013 which had presentations on Sikkim Winter Carnival 2013, its main features, 

activities for tourist which was presented by Mr. Randip Khati- a senior tour operator. Overview of 

Destination of Sikkim, various activities like adventure, pilgrimage tourism, Eco- & village tourism etc 

was presented by TAAS President- Satish Bardewa. President, Sikkim Hotel & Restaurant Association 

(SH&RA ) in her address conveyed the greetings from people of Sikkim to the gathering and 

announced Forty percent (40%) discount to the tourist during the Festival at hotels of Sikkim upon 

booking through the local tour operators of Sikkim. An interesting audio- visual presentation on 

Sikkim Tourism was delivered by TAAS Vice President- Mr. Jeetendra Lama. Shri. B.B. Mukherjee, The 

Regional Director, Eastern Region, Ministry of Tourism who was also the Chief Guest of the function 

appreciated the Department of Sikkim Tourism for the initiatives taken to organise such Festivals 

and also offered all assistance & help to Sikkim Tourism in all print publications of “Incredible India”

to highlight and further include a comprehensive information on Sikkim covering more details on 

overall destinations & its updates of Sikkim. He has suggested TAAS President to follow up the 

matter with Additional Director General, Ministry of Tourism at New Delhi.

TAAS President , in his address mentioned that it is because of the effort of the Government of

Sikkim with active stakeholders that Sikkim has been able to come amongst Top 10 region to visit 

tin 2014. He further mentioned that Lonely Planet has recognised Sikkim as Most cleanest State in 

India, sustainable Community based Tourism practice in Sikkim, most innovative Tourism projects 

in State, eco- friendly policies such as Plastic free State & Ban on open Smoking, Proposed Organic

State by 2017, New airport secluded to be open by Dec 2014, he also informed the gathering

about the Hon’ble Chief Minister plan to build 100 different destinations in Sikkim. TAAS President 

also mentioned that we have chosen Kolkata as the venue as the State of Bengal has most active 

explorers and Sikkim have always been a good host as well as Sikkim is their nearest getaway holiday 

destination. TAAS President mentioned that it is not just the Sikkim Winter carnival 2013 but the 

future promotion of Sikkim is what we are looking forward to & the support of TAAB is sought for.

Vice President – Travel Agent’s Association of Bengal Mr. Kaushik Kaur in his speech mentioned that 

Bengal and Sikkim not only share a Common gateway for the tourist to Eastern region but also share 

a strong bonding of Friendship & Brotherhood. It was proposed that an immediate between TAAS

& TAAB be organised to discuss the common issues and how to go about the future promotion of 

Tourism in Sikkim. Travel Agent’s Association of Bengal (TAAB) has also invited TAAS for a FAM trip 

to Sundarbans this winter.

During the Welcome Speech by the Assistant Director, Sikkim Tourism- Kolkata, Ms. Chewang Pulger, 

welcome the entire guest to Sikkim and stressed that Sikkim has already become destinations for all 

During an open House discussion, most of the invitees suggested that Sikkim Tourism should 

organise such Carnival every year thus by making it a yearly event and the visitors can plan their 

schedule well in advance as well tour operators can also market and publicise in their itinerary.

TAAS President has invited travel writers, photo journalist and tour operators from TAAB to Sikkim 

Winter Carnival. It was also proposed that 20 Tour operators from Malaysia want to visit Sikkim in 

January for the future promotion of Sikkim. TAAS President assured that the same will be informed

and submitted to the Hon’ble Minister Tourism and Secretary Tourism to coordinate the FAM trip 

planning as desired by the Malaysian Tour operators.

The function ended with the Vote of Thanks by TAAS Vice President- Mr. Jeetendra Lama. 

President- TAAS

Tel: 9933008822

Press Release

30-Oct-2013

Sikkim Tops Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2014.

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2014 -Sikkim, India first amongst top 10 regions.
 
 
The tiny Himalayan state bordering West Bengal has gone past Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, Mallorca in Spain and Horuriku in Japan to be voted the number one place to visit next year.

The suggestion comes from Lonely Planet on 'Best in Travel 2014 - Top 10 regions'.

The travel advisory said, "Sikkim has set new benchmarks for responsible travel in the country".

It cited Sikkm's record as India's cleanest state and its sustainable community-based tourism in less developed areas.

Lonely Planet said the state's eco-friendly policies have "lent new vigour to the virginal Himalayan wilderness that drapes the region's mountains".

It also cites rise of organic farming in Sikkim and says much of the produce available in markets was gunk-free.

There is also the added advantage of a new airport opening near state capital Gangtok.
 
The remarks from Lonely Planet are as follows:

Picking up national accolades in 2012 for being India’s cleanest state with the most innovative tourism project, Sikkim has set new benchmarks for responsible travel in the country. Checkbox sightseeing has rapidly made way for sustainable community-based tourism in less developed areas, while eco-friendly policies have lent new vigour to the virginal Himalayan wilderness that drapes the region’s mountains. Food-wise, there’s news too. Organic farming is the new mantra in Sikkim and is being promoted in a big way. Much of the produce available in local markets is already gunk-free, and the government proposes to convert Sikkim into a fully organic state very soon. And with a new airport scheduled to open near Gangtok in 2014, you can now shave off several hours of transit time and fly in directly from major Indian metros.


Here is full list of Best in Travel 2014

1. Sikkim, India

2. The Kimberley, Australia

3. Yorkshire, Britain

4. Hokuriku, Japan

5. Texas, USA

6. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and Zambia

7. Mallorca, Spain

8. West Coast, New Zealand

9. Hunan, China

10. Ha'apai, Tonga


The following are the remarks from tourist as received by the TAAS President over the email on 29/October 13 at 6 PM.
1.     Well, I feel that's the only place left in India which hasn't been raped by plastic bags yet. So perhaps it's due to its altitude. Please don't show this pretty place to ugly humans and leave it to beautiful nature.


2.     At least something for country to be proud of, after all the negativities these day! I love Sikkim, it totally deserve to be best place. 
 
3.     Credit goes to the Efficient "Government of Sikkim" and the entire people of Sikkim ! This is a GREAT ACHIEVEMENT ! This is a matter of PRIDE for INDIA ! No "Plastic Bags" / No "Guthkaas-&-Paan Massalas" and their Aluminium foil pouches scattered here and there ! Clean Places, Clean People ! Not heard much of SCAMS / SCANDALS / GANG RAPES / MURDERS etc. like DELHI ! CONGRATULATIONS to All in SIKKIM !



TAAS President while congratulating the efforts of both Private and Government sector to bring Sikkim to this recognition have also requested all stake holders to keep their good work with a high and rational understanding of Tourism as an sensitive Industry and to introduce the good image of Sikkim State through the quality and responsible tourism. TAAS President also congratulated the people of Sikkim for being helpful and friendly to the tourist and maintaining the Peace and Cultural harmony which is the foremost strength and USP of Sikkim which largely urged people (both Nationally & Internationally) to recommend Sikkim for selection to LONELY PLANET thus bringing Sikkim as 1st among Top Ten Regions that Tourist should visit in 2014 as suggested by the Lonely Planet guide book for 2014 .
Sikkim tourism industry faced a major setback due to the political up heal in Darjeeling areas  but the constancy  in promoting Sikkim by the local tourism stake holders like TAAS ,  peaceful nature of the people of Sikkim and tourism supporting projects of Sikkim Government  has been well recognised by the LONELY PLANET.
This endeavour of highlighting “Sikkim” internationally as a friendly tourism destination  has only been possible with a continued synergy between TAAS leading the tourist stake holders ahead in promotion of Sikkim and with the active support of Government of Sikkim on a Public –Private partnership mode which is unique to Sikkim.
Satish Bardewa,
President-TAAS.
TAAS Office,
Indrakil Bhawan,  Gangtok.
Tel: 9933008822/
9733214205.

Press Release

19-Aug-2013


TAAS Promotes Sikkim in Incredible India week at Thailand.

On the eve of 67th Independent day celebration of India, Indian Embassy of Thailand had organised “India Incredible week at Siam Paragon from 15th  to 18th August 2013”. The inauguration ceremony commenced with lighting of lamps by His Excellency Anil Wadhwa, Ambassador of India to Thailand, Princess Diya Kumari of Jaipur, Chaditip Chutrakul, CEO of Siam Paragon.The exhibition at Siam Paragon was in collaboration of Embassy of India to Thailand, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India as a part of very vibrant Incredible India week.

 In his address Mr. Wadhwa said “ the incredible India week in which the Royal fables would be the key attraction, attempts to bring the best of India to the Thai people, be it textiles, handicraft and tourism destinations”.  Amongst the five Indian states, Sikkim was one of them.
 
The event unveiled India in its various colors to the people of Thailand. The elaborate celebration at the Incredible India week included exclusive fashion shows by leading Indian couturiers, Vikram Phadnis and Joy Mitra, tantalizing snow Lion Cultural dance was performed by the very talented troop from Arunachal Pradesh.

4 Day of tourism activities included very positive meetings and conferences with the general public as well as tour operators and Tourism authority of Thailand. One focus area of promotion was pilgrimage tourism showcasing the rich heritage of Sikkim along with the Buddhist circuit. It was a pleasant surprise to see that so many people were aware of the development of Buddha Park, and it seems it has created a warm relation between Sikkim and Thailand and has also added a shine on the pilgrimage tourism in Sikkim. 

During the course of programme the Attache, Embassy of India, Shri Aditya Vats and Shri Pravin Kumar informed TAAS about the possibility of overland connectivity from South Asian country  via Myanmar connecting India’s Northeast States. 

TAAS Advisor, (State Promotion) appraised the officials and expressed his opinion on the possibility of overland tour exit or entry office of Immigration for international tourist to India through Nathula Pass as there is already an existence of Tibet Trade via Nathula which has shown positive growth over the years.

Satish Bardewa (President TAAS) highlighted the importance of Sikkim’s Buddhist Circuit for the people of Thailand and the embassy has agreed to promote Sikkim and its important festivals through all mediums. He has invited the Media and the Tourism Authority of Thailand for the Buddhist Conclave which is being planned during the Next Spring Season.

Randeep Khati (member) While thanking the Embassy, he expressed his opinion on more promotion for Sikkim and provide bigger platform & space along with sponsership to showcase our unique culture.

TAAS requested the Embassy to initiate a dialogue with Druk Air for more frequent flight to Bagdogra and possibility of Air Asia’s landing in Bagdogra.

Promotion & Marketing is the cornerstone of every product and Tourism being our USP, TAAS is always committed and serious about the promotion of quality tourism in Sikkim and when Sikkim is promoted internationally, every one, from Hotels, Drivers, Vendors will participate and benefit, thus contributing to the Socio economic development of the state.
 
Department of Tourism, Government of Sikkim, has always played an active role in supporting the promotion of Sikkim especially for local Tour operators and TAAS would like to thank them for their ever ready enthusiastic coordination.

His Excellency Anil Wadwa the Ambassador to Thailand has accepted the TAAS invitation to visit Sikkim.

President- TAAS
9933008822 (M).
From Bangkok, Thailand.

Press Release

07-Aug-2013

The Travel Agents’ Association of Sikkim held its Annual General Body Meeting at Janta Bhawan attended by Members in majority. During the welcome Speech by the TAAS General Secretary- Mr. Barap Namgyal Bhutia briefed the gathering about various activities of TAAS till date following a photo presentation of all the activities which also included photo-report of product /destination promotion, travel meet, conferences, trainings, sports, tree plantation including social activities of TAAS.
During the overview the President TAAS. Mr. Satish Bardewa emphasis on publicity and promotion by all members and urged them to attend various travel marts, conferences both within the Country and abroad. He highlighted that the Peace, tranquility, culture and bio-diverse nature is our unique selling product (USP) and this must be promoted to make Sikkim awesome so it is regarded as a must visit holiday destination in the Himalaya. He informed about TAAS participation for tourism promotion in WTM London, International Travel Meet, and various functions at New Delhi, Gujarat, Kolkata, Thailand and Singapore. The President recollected the various challenges & difficulties faced by the members while offering services to tourist and informed the house that the same has been apprised to the concerned department including the Chief Secretary and the Chief Minister. He congratulated and thanked the Government of Sikkim for conceptualizing Buddha Park: Tathagata Tsa with a 128 feet statue of Lord Buddha which is not only a place of worship or a pilgrimage destination but an immortal idol to symbolize Sikkim as a peaceful place on Earth. While explaining the background of TAAS support to tourism industry on PPP mode with the Government, he also thanked the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri. Pawan Chamling for placing the demand for permanent up-gradation and restoration of the National Highway into two lane from Sevoke to Gangtok and also the alternative highway through Rongli to Chalsa and Gangtok to Nathula road under SARDP-NE during his speech at  Annual Plan Discussion at Yogna Bhawan, New Delhi.
The meeting also congratulated the new Executive Body of SHRA (Sikkim Hotel & Restaurant Association) and assured TAAS cooperation in working out the solution towards the challenges of tourism industry in Sikkim together.
The house was briefed by (Advisor TAAS, State Promotion) Mr. Karma Bhutia about his experience from Singapore study tour on tourism management and destination marketing for Northeast States. Mr. Bhutia briefed about the difficulties of tourist visiting Sikkim in terms of train and flight connectivity which is way expensive as a result that there are no direct flights from Mumbai, Bangalore or Chennia to Bagdogra airport nor the trains to NJP from South India is available with par to train like Rajdhani Express.
 
Following a briefing by Mr.  Jeetendra Lama (Vice President-TAAS) on his visit to AICTE at New Delhi highlighted TAAS role in supporting the Polytechnic colleges of Sikkim namely ACCT Bardang, and CCCT Chisopani for implementing the courses under the scheme of “Community College” under NVEQF Scheme (National Vocational Education Qualification Framework). He stressed on the need of qualified human resource in our State and indicated a huge potential in State’s tourism field.
 
The meeting also thanked for the promotional steps taken by Sikkim Tourism at the International Travel Meet organized by Ministry of Tourism at Guwahati where Sikkim contingent was led by the Hon’ble Minister for Tourism & Forest Shri. Bhim Dhungyal.
 
While discussing the forth coming plans and activities of the Association, a major focus was also oriented towards the all-round progress of tourism industry in Sikkim.
One of the task that everyone supported was to further impart trainings to the Youths on village tourism with an aim to encourage and engage the talented & educated youth of rural areas so that they also take benefit from the growing tourism industry of Sikkim.
 
Our experience sharing to the young generation will encourage their participation as per their share and capacity as self-employed with a sense of ownership through eco-tourism, home stays so they will be able to project ethnic and authentic Sikkim to the visitors.
 
Most of the members express their concern on sky rocketing transport rates in Sikkim during peak tourist season and because of which they either have to lose the business or have to pay from their own pocket which either way is not fair to the service providers not to the tourist. This was seriously felt that transport rates needs to be put to check by the concerned authorities. This was also observed that most of the fly by night operators starts dealing with tourist during the tourist season which results in the vehicle price hike. They do come from a gray area where they do not operate their offices nor do they have a valid trade license.
 
The meeting urged the GMC to be strict in issuing/renewing the Trade License and also properly authenticate the license holders himself as well as location of his travel office.  It was also decided to request the Tourism Department and Police Check Post to verify the legitimacy of the permit applicant. This step will greatly help controlling the menace otherwise free handling of tourism services could bring negative effect to the tourism industry and its sustainability.
 
The AGBM has decided to approach the government to implement the Sikkim Registration of Tourist Trade Act 1998 under notification No. 10/LD/99 dated 10th February 1999 at the earliest so that the negative forces does not affect the tourism stake holders.
 
At the end of the meeting, President read out the points from “ Tourism Mission 2015” of the Chief Minister of Sikkim, Shri Pawan Chamling which received a great applause from the gathering.
Eighteen New members were welcomed with “Khada’. The  AGBM decided to expel four members on a disciplinary ground.
 
TAAS President while summarizing the AGBM requested all members to be committed and competent to make Sikkim really awesome!
 “ The meeting also nominated the following members in the TAAS Executive Body.
1.       Assistant General Secretary: Mr. Shibu Chettri.
2.       Sports Secretary:  Mr. Gombhu Bhutia (as additional post to his earlier post of Treasurer).
3.       Joint Secretary East: Mrs. Durga Chettri.
4.       Joint Secretary West: Mr. Bikash Sunar.
5.       Executive Member: Mr. Narayan, Mr. T. B Rai and Mr. Chemi Sherpa.
The above Executive members have replaced the earlier Executive members as a part of internal reshuffle".
Vote of Thanks was presented by Treasurer.
 
President- TAAS.
Tel: 9933008822/9434117418.

Press Release

30-Jul-2013

TAAS role in formulation of  New Education system in Sikkim.
 
Following an interaction and introductory meet with Advance Technical Training Centre (ATTC) Bardang, East Sikkim and Centre for Computer and Communication Technology (CCCT) Chisopani, South Sikkim  recently at Gangtok under the Chairperson of Hon’ble Minister HRDD, Youth and Sports, Shri. N. K Pradhan.

The Travel Agents’  Association of Sikkim (TAAS)  was informed about the policy of the Government of India in formulating a scheme of “Community College” under NVEQF Scheme ( National Vocational Education Qualification Framework) where by both the Polytechnic  colleges of Sikkim namely  ACCT Bardang, and CCCT Chisopani, which were enacted as executing Institutes in Sikkim and have identified “Tourism” as one of the Specialised courses thereby recognising Travel Agents’  Association of Sikkim (TAAS) as  Skilled knowledge provider (SKP) in Tourism sector by CCCT Chisopani.
Under the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has selected these technical Colleges to initiate Community College in Sikkim amongst two hundred other Colleges in India.

On formal invitation of AICTE, a delegate of six member team from Sikkim attended  a program at the head office of AICTE at New Delhi on 25th July 13. Amongst  the delegates, Mr. Jeetendra Lama Vice President –TAAS and a senior member of the Organisation represented the tourism  fraternity of the State particularly Travel Agents’ Association of Sikkim. Speaking on the occasion he emphasised and elaborated various tourism related sectors and its activities in Sikkim and also submitted a detailed report on ground handling and infrastructural and support system. Mr. Jeetendra Lama also discussed huge potential in tourism field and expressed the need of qualified human resource in our State. The product from Institutes would further be absorbed by the Community as qualified human resource as well as a responsible citizen of the Country by contributing his skills and knowledge in the socio-economic developments of the local Community of our State and Country at large.

All Indian Council for technical Education, AICTE has decided to launch this Pilot Project by end of this Financial year and trainings in class rooms and in various outdoor courses will begin after formal completion of prior formalities.

 Amongst the delegates were Mr. Latif,  Principal CCCT, Mr. Praveen Pradhan -Vice Principal CCCT, -Mr. S. Purkayasta- Principal ACCT,  Mr. Sonam Palden Barfungpa- Vice Principal ACCT, Mr. S. Banerjee- representative Big Bazar attended the conference and discussed, submitted reports on other fields respectively.
The prime focus of Community College being introduced in Sikkim and other States of India is mainly to uplift people who are unable to pursue their formal education below 10th Standard due to various reasons but are capable to establish their own livelihood by having tremendous potential in various technical fields which can be channelized through Community College after acquiring a formal degree from such institution.  These colleges will start from level 1 and goes up to level 10 where by the student can acquire even a doctorate degree which is equivalent to formal degree and is recognised by the Government of India.

The degree from the Community college will not only support the individuals to showcase their technical skills but offers an opportunity to a dignified career based employment. The Community colleges are already successful and producing promising technical human resource in developed country like USA and others.

Travel Agents’  Association of Sikkim (TAAS) and its members congratulate Human Resource Development Department, Government of Sikkim and both the institutions- ATTC Bardang and CCCT Chisopani and assure our support  to the overall development of the State in pertinence to Tourism and its magnanimous Tourism potential in Sikkim.
 
President –TAAS.
Tel: 9933008822/94341-17418.

Press Release

29-Jul-2013

Deptt. of Tourism & TAAS successfully participates in Tourism Management and Destination marketing in Singapore, 22 – 26 july 2013

Ministry of External Affair, Govt. of Singapore. had organized a comprehensive Tourism Workshop (Theoretical & practical)  from 22 TO 26 JULY 2013 under the banner TOURISM STUDY VISIT FOR NORTHEAST INDIA OFFICIALS. 

Sikkim contingent was led by Additional Secretary, ms Namrata Thapa, Assistant Director,Leepandi Targain, Deptt .of Tourism, Govt. Of Sikkim and TAAS Advisor, Karma T. Bhutia,
  
Total 7 North eastern states including Sikkim participated in this elaborate programme. The Nodal training agency conducting the training programme was International Business Dynamics Pte Ltd (I Business) and lead resource person was Mr. Christopher Khoo along with the team of officials from iBusiness.
           
Site visits to Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, Sentosa, Singapore City Gallery, Singapore Botanical Gardens, National Orchid Garden, Singapore River-Raffles landing point formed part of the training programme to showcase Singapore’s Tourism product offerings.The objectives of the programme was to imbibe professionalism, Tourism Planning, Product Development, Tourism Marketing, Tourism segments Niches, understanding Singapore tourism, and the role of National Tourist office (NTO). 

In addition, a fruitful and interactive networking session was organized to meet members of the National Association of Travel Agents of Singapore (NATAS). 
                  
Singapore, a hub of Tourism enthusiastic with only 700 sq meters of land, houses all the amenities to facilitate the Tourism activities and to cater to the needs of the tourists. Although everything is a man made and influx of technological advancement is the key factor for the overall development of the country.
                     
The resource person revealed all positive planning & action of Singapore Govt to make Singapore,what it is today,  the biggest market grocer in South East Asia. The Planning of Singapore Tourism for a sustainable long term tourism development leading to maximum benefit to the destination and its stakeholder. The planning also included Waste management (recycle and reuse), Water management (water recycle), Quality Manpower Development, Tourism Marketing and destination management.
 
The 5 days training was a boon for the Northeastern states of India and overall it was opined that “where there is a will, there is a way” & Sikkim stood distinct in Tourism developments, growth in Socio economy through responsible Tourism.

The main Resource Person Mr.Christopher Loo, who is familiar with Sikkim & its achievements often showcased Sikkim as example for the North Eastern States and said that” the difference is the determination of the state Govt and active participation of The stake holders”.

Participants included Govt. official & stakeholders including Secretaries & Tourism Minister from Tripura, Shri, Ratan Bhomik. An officer representing DONER, Deputy Secretary Ms Mercy Pau was also present, who emphasized that DONER is very positive about North East region and promoting Look East policy. 

On the last day every state was given an opportunity to showcase their state’s USP to Singaporean govt. officials, Tour Operators as well as to other North Eastern Sates.
Additional Secretary ms.Namratha Thapa spoke on the new destination of Pilgrimage Tourism, how the state Govt. has been thinking out of the box in promoting Pilgrimage Tourism. Assistant Director Marina Lepcha explained about state’s unique approach to Eco Tourism & Village Tourism, which has been a special segment & growing at rapid pace, where as TAAS Adviser, Karma T. Bhutia made them aware of the greatest potential & most unique product of Sikkim Tourism, the himalaya & the Adventure Tourism associated with it whetere its Trekking, Expedition around the world’s 3rd highest mountain to traveling four climatic zones in just 6 hrs.
The team has invited the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (NATAS) for an exchange programme & Fam trips.

Press Release

18-Mar-2013

A meeting was held at Gangtok on 17/3/13 where members of the four different organization namely Sikkim Mountaineers’ Association (SMA), Sikkim Amateur Mountaineering Association (SAMA), Sikkim Adventure Tour Operators Association (SAATO) and Travel Agent’s Association of Sikkim (TAAS) discuss  the further steps with regard to both participation and supporting the proposed  Sikkim Everest Expedition 2013 and also decided to submit their joint proposal to the Government of Sikkim.

During a recent Press Conference, the above association had jointly expressed their dissatisfaction upon the organizer Shri. Gyamtso Ts. Bhutia, the Director of Indian Himalayan Center for Adventure & Ecotourism (IHCAE) here in Chemchey, South Sikkim.

In today’s meeting it was also appreciated that the Government of Sikkim with the initiative of Hon’ble Chief Minister Mr. Pawan Chamling has initiated this institute for the growth of Adventure tourism  in Sikkim and also to build up the capacity amongst the Youth of Sikkim in the field of various adventure and eco tourism related career building activities if Sikkim.

But the recent selection was viewed as unfair by the mountaineering fraternity of Sikkim and questions was raised as why these association were not informed for the selection process of The Everest Expedition which is one of the mega event as well as a proud occasion for the State of Sikkim.

The meeting appreciated the positive decision of the State Government by postponing the said Everest Expeditions considering the qualified Youth of Sikkim to have a fair chance to be selected in the said Expedition and also providing the opportunity to the Tourism trade associations like SAATO & TAAS to support the said Expedition with wider publicity thus by bringing Sikkim into the adventure Map of the World.

This gesture of the Government of Sikkim to postpone the Expedition and call upon the Organiser to hold for a fair selection method as per the “criteria of selection in Mountaineering “ was well appreciated with a great applause and sincere thanks from the mountaineering fraternity  and Travel Trade fraternity of Sikkim.

Notice

24-Dec-2012

Dear Member,
This is to bring to your notice that following Embassies will be closed on occasion of Christmas and New Year as on the following dates:
Name of Embassies & Consulates	Non-Operating Dates
Australia	22nd - 26th Dec,12
New Zealand	25th Dec,12 - 1st Jan,13.
Italy	22nd - 26th Dec,12
Spain	22nd , 25th & 31st Dec,12
United Kingdom	25th - 26th Dec,12
Thailand	25th & 31st Dec,12
All European and Asian Countries	25th Dec,12

So, you are requested to plan you valuable customer's visa submissions accordingly.
Regards,
President-TAAS.

Press Release

06-Dec-2012

The capacity building training program for the Students of ten different Senior Secondary Government Schools is approaching the valedictory function on 13th December 2012 .  So far the Indoor classes on various tourism components such as  itinerary & Costing, Bird watching, office management,  Marketing promotion publicity, Village tourism and Home stays, trekking and eco tourism & website designing, marketing & promotion etc. had been imparted to the 161 students. This training prog. is a part of annual event of HRDD, Government of Sikkim where these students are attached with the Travel Agents’ Association of Sikkim for the “On the job training” which has been supported by TAAS since beginning and the practical course both Indoor and Outdoor is imparted by the various resource person from TAAS. The course is actively being organized at TAAS office, located at Indrakil Bhawan, Gangtok since 20th Nov. in two different shifts of 55 students each in one shift and remaining 55 students have been attached with different Travel offices of TAAS members where the Students are being exposed to practical office management and business conduct.

The outdoor classes on Camp management, hiking and Rock climbing will be organized on 7th & 8th December along with first -aid and safety.  This course is planned and conducted by the Travel Agents’ Association of Sikkim (TAAS) to support the cause of Capacity building & Human Resource Development program of the Government of Sikkim where Tourism is our main stay & a priority Industry in our Himalayan State.  A detailed report on completion of this course will be submitted to the Government of Sikkim with course inputs to further develop such program in the future.

President-TAAS.
Tel: 9434117418.

PRESS RELEASE

18-Oct-2012

TAAS received suggestions and ideas on the future tourism promotion of Sikkim when the new Exe. Body called on to the Chief Secretary of Sikkim, Shri. Karma Gyatso (IAS) and offered greetings with the traditional scarf. The highly motivated Chief Secretary assured all help to the organisation in terms of capacity building and training in order to prepare the younger generation towards quality tourism and which should be the focus of the industry. He insisted that the tourism stake holders has to play a vital role in promoting quality tourism with high professionalism than that of quantity tourism considering our fragile eco-system and to watch that Sikkim’s rich cultural heritage and bio-diversity be protected at all times. TAAS was encouraged to tap the potential markets for Buddhist Circuit and adventure tourism Sikkim. The idea of having an open roof City Bus for tourist and Car Rally can be an attractive tourist activity he said.

In an meeting with Senior SP (Check Post) at 3rd Mile, the issues like road condition and tourist’s comfort & safety was discussed. TAAS appreciated the performance of officials and staff of Police check post in making early departure to Nathu-la in order to felicitate the tourist to return early.

In the meeting, TAAS- proposed that one night two days tour to North Sikkim be discouraged because of driving distance, road conditions and inclement weather keeping in mind the safety of both tourist & the driver.

It was also discussed that the permit be issued to restricted areas to those tour operators as certified by the Department of Tourism & Civil Aviation on the basis of their trade license renewal so that the authenticity of operators can be monitored.

Senior S.P Check post, in view of tourism as a priority industry in Sikkim expressed that safety of tourist and Nation’s security is of prime importance hence only authentic tour operator having the Valid Trade Licence and an office will be issued the permits to Restricted and protected areas of Sikkim.

Later, in the day during at preparation meet on PG fest, the TAAS decided to depute a team at Rangpo Tourist Lodge for reception to delegates and participants and also liaison with the Tourism Department for venue beautification and related activities for forthcoming PG fest.

During the meet, the TAAS Exe. Body express the concern on recent unrest in South Sikkim. Sikkim tourism industry has already suffered a great loss due to the last year’s earthquake and also with the recent flash flood in North Sikkim. In order to avoid trip cancellation this Autumn, TAAS members had tough time to re-schedule the their confirmed trips of North to South & West Sikkim as well as to reassure their guest that visiting destinations in South & West Sikkim can be a better alternative rather than cancelling the pre-planned holiday.

The recent violence in South had come as a shock to the tour operators and tourism stake holders from South & West Sikkim feel affected. Tourism Industry is very sensitive and can only be promoted with peace and harmony. “Sikkim” has been a peaceful state under the leadership of dynamic Chief Minister, Shri. Pawan Kumar Chamling and the same have resulted in the tourism growth over the past years in making Sikkim one of the most sought after tourist destination in the entire North East.

A large number of population depends on tourism industry. TAAS has always worked for the promotion of tourism and the focus is to bring upon the local employment with tourism activity in all nook of Sikkim. The strength of tourism growth has been the friendly Society of Sikkim with rich Cultural and Natural heritage backed by the unmatched hospitality and peaceful Society. As tourism now being promoted to South- West Sikkim with a focus to harness cultural and pilgrimage tourism potential, The Travel Agent’s Association has requested all the people of Sikkim to maintain peace and harmony which by itself is our unique ‘USP’ for a long -term and sustainable tourism growth in Sikkim.
 
Satish Bardewa

President-TAAS

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