The present disturbance in Tibet has greatly
effected tourism trade there the Buddhist tourist destination
in Sikkim are booming as an alternative.
Travel and tour operators in Tibet and Nepal are busy diverting
their clients towards Sikkim as an alternative for Buddhist
tourist destination. “We already made tourist booking
for Tibet through Nepal last year only which we couldn't cancel
once booked and planned so we thought of diverting our clients
towards Sikkim as an alternative Buddhism tourist destination”
Mr S Sherpa, a tour operator, said.
When asked why he chose Sikkim and not Bhutan, he said, the
reason behind diverting our clients to Sikkim rather than
to Bhutan is that Sikkim is cost effective and Bhutan is quite
expensive for tourists. Moreover, Sikkim and Tibet shares
similar tradition, culture, food, religion and language, almost
everything.
“Our clients would basically be interested in visiting
the monasteries in Tibet. We got the information that Sikkim
too has old monasteries which are listed as heritage sites
of India,” Mr Sherpa said.
When asked whether the tourists are being diverted because
of the disturbances in Tibet, he said, no doubt Sikkim is
beautiful and calm but till now Sikkim couldn't build its
brand in international level like Tibet. “So it will
take time when Sikkim would be counted among international
tourist destination,” he added.
His counterpart in Sikkim, Mr Palzor Lachungpa, an advisor
to Travel Agents Association of Sikkim (TAAS) received five
groups from Nepal said, this is a right time to foster Sikkim
into international level so I have designed the best itinerary
with cheap rates as they are our guest first and tourist second.
“This is also the time to get quality tourist who never
bargain like. At the same we would provide them quality services
with professional manner,” he added.
At present Sikkim has seven heritage monasteries to offer
Buddhist tourist which are Ralang, Tashiding, Rumtek, Phodong,
Pemayangtse, Tholung, Enchey and all are more 150 years old,
located in East, West, South and North parts of Sikkim.
Courtesy: The Statesman |
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