Another feather in Sikkim’s crown. This hill state got the honor of ‘India’s best tourist friendly state’. Sikkim won the honor at the three-day Bengal Travel Mart 2026 organized at a hotel in Siliguri. Additional Secretary, Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Sikkim Prerna Chamling accepted the honor on Sunday evening. Nepal Tourism Board and Tourism Department of Government of Bhutan participated in the event organized from January 9 to January 11.

According to sources from the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation of the Government of Sikkim, the award was given in view of eco-friendly policies, hospitality standards, increased investment in the tourism industry and planned development initiatives. Note that Bengal Travel Mart 2026 is one of the most important tourism trade events in East India. More than 160 domestic and international organizations participated in the event. There were tourism stakeholders, policy makers, buyers and sellers from India and abroad. Besides, the participation of representatives of international organizations like Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents and Hotel and Restaurant Association of Bhutan has increased the importance of Bengal Travel Mart. Additional Secretary of Tourism and Civil Aviation Department of Sikkim said that the recognition of India’s best tourist friendly state will encourage ideas and efforts for tourism development, tourist entertainment, sustainability and development of community based tourism industry.

Meanwhile, Sikkim has set new records in the tourism industry. More than 17.12 lakh tourists visited the state during 2025. The number of tourists in 2024 was 16.25 lakh. In 2025, the number of tourists from different states of India was more than 95 thousand. The number of foreign tourists was 12 thousand. Since the beginning of 2026, nature has poured snow in Sikkim. Tourists are flocking to enjoy the scenic view of snowfall. There is no condition in North Sikkim. Nathu-La Pass and Changu Valley in East Sikkim also saw an increase in congestion. It is likely to be crowded throughout the month of January. Naturally, Sikkim can continue to break records in the tourism industry in the new year as well.

According to the tourism department of the state, the number of tourists is gradually increasing as a result of the restoration of the important road network after the Harpa Ban in October. The Naga-Lachung route has seen a significant increase in tourist bookings. The tourism potential of North Sikkim is promising. The Taram Chu Bridge on the Lachen route is nearing completion. Will launch in February. This will pave the way for the complete reopening of Lachen and Gurdongmar lakes once it is operational. The number of tourists will increase.