Bangladesh Crisis Hits Sikkim’s Tourism
First Published: 9th December, 2024 22:00 IST
Siliguri has now announced a temporary ban on accommodations for Bangladeshi tourists, compounding the challenges for Sikkim's tourism sector.
The ongoing tension between India and Bangladesh could severely impact Sikkim’s tourism industry, as Bangladeshi tourists form one of the largest groups of international visitors to the state. Many of these tourists travel to Sikkim through the Siliguri corridor, a critical transit point. However, Siliguri has now announced a temporary ban on accommodations for Bangladeshi tourists, compounding the challenges for Sikkim’s tourism sector.
According to data from Sikkim’s Tourism Department, the state welcomed 40,597 tourists from Bangladesh in 2023, followed by 27,126 in 2024, showing their growing significance in the state’s tourism economy. Many of these tourists visit to experience Sikkim’s snow-covered destinations, making them a vital demographic for the region.
Adding to the impact, North Sikkim, which reopened to tourists earlier this month, has seen a significant increase in tourist flow. Notably, around 50% of the total international tourists in North Sikkim are Bangladeshi. The first group of tourists to visit North Sikkim after its reopening also hailed from Bangladesh, highlighting their prominent role in Sikkim’s tourism recovery.
Meanwhile, the temporary ban by the Greater Siliguri Hoteliers Welfare Association, triggered by incidents involving alleged disrespect towards the Indian flag and provocative statements by Bangladeshi citizens, was unanimously agreed upon by the association’s members. Effective immediately, the ban prevents Bangladeshi nationals from checking into hotels in Siliguri, a key transit hub for travellers heading to Sikkim.
This decision is expected to disrupt the flow of Bangladeshi tourists to Sikkim, further straining its tourism-dependent economy.
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