A preparatory meeting for the International Youth Conclave on Tourism Development, set to be held in Yangang from April 12 to 14, 2025, was held at the Sikkim Legislative Assembly (SLA) Secretariat. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Speaker Raj Kumari Thapa and attended by key government officials and representatives from the Yangang Tourism Development Committee (YTDC).
Among the attendees were Bikash Basnet, Political Secretary to the Chief Minister; Karma Subba, OSD to the Chief Minister; CL Gurung, former Zilla Adhyaksha; Phurba Wangdi Bhutia, MD of SBS; Sonam Denzongpa, Principal Director of Education; and BB Izam, Principal Director of Accounts. Officers from various departments representing the Rangang-Yangang constituency were also present.
The conclave will commemorate 50 years of Sikkim’s statehood by highlighting the state’s growth, challenges, and opportunities in the tourism sector. Organized by YTDC, the event aims to promote lesser-known tourist destinations in Sikkim, with a focus on Yangang, while encouraging global tourism, creating employment opportunities, and fostering community development.
Deputy Speaker Raj Kumari Thapa emphasized the importance of collective responsibility and community participation in ensuring the success of the conclave. She noted that hosting such a high-profile event would significantly boost Yangang’s tourism industry and inspire local youth to engage in tourism entrepreneurship and event management.
The three-day conclave will feature forums, discussions, and experience-sharing sessions to strengthen Sikkim’s tourism sector. A key focus will be on adventure tourism, promotion of cultural heritage, and encouraging local entrepreneurship. The event will bring together 250 delegates from 28 Indian states and 3 Union Territories, along with participants from 10 countries.
A major decision taken during the meeting was to extend an invitation to Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang to attend the event. Discussions also focused on strategies to enhance national and international participation, ensuring that the conclave becomes a global platform for tourism development.
Since its establishment in 2008, YTDC has played a crucial role in promoting sustainable tourism and local economic growth. With support from the tourism department and the state government, the conclave is expected to strengthen Sikkim’s position as a leading tourism destination while showcasing its cultural and natural heritage to a global audience.
