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.
COMMENTS

TOPMOST STORY NOW

Live Guwahati Police Registers FIR Against Popular YouTubers for Promoting Obscenity on ‘India’s Got Latent’
10th February 2025
Live Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Lands in Singapore for 2-Day Trip to Attract Investors
10th February 2025
Live Sikkim MP D.T. Lepcha Urges Government to Include Lepcha, Bhutia, and Limbu in Eighth Schedule of Constitution
10th February 2025
Live Manipur BJP MLA Shyam Kumar On Meeting Northeast BJP Coordinator Following N Biren Singh’s Resignation
10th February 2025WE RECOMMEND

Sikkim Govt Mandates Labour Card Registration: Employers to Face Rs 2,500 Fine for Non-Compliance
Employers will face a fine of Rs 2,500 per unregistered worker, and workers must carry their Labour ID cards for inspections.
10th February 2025
35-Year-Old Man Beaten to Death in Tripura For Allegedly Stealing at School
The victim, identified as Babul Miah, was caught on suspicion of theft after scaling the school’s boundary wall
10th February 2025
Sikkim: Second Meeting for Inclusion of 12 Communities in ST List Held in New Delhi
The report, based on structured data submitted by community members, is a preliminary step in the recognition process.
10th February 2025
“Will Accept Decision Taken by Party’s High Command”: BJP Manipur MLA Khemchand Singh On CM Face
Singh stated that the main concern would be to bring back normalcy in the state, primarily between the two communities Kuki and Meitei.
10th February 2025
Mizoram Wins Gold in Taekwondo Poomsae Event At 38th National Games
With 2 Gold and 1 Bronze medal, Mizoram is currently placed at the 27th rank in the medals tally
10th February 2025