Parliament Question: Economic impact of the Surge in Tourism in Himalayan Region

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.197 ANSWERED ON 20.07.2026 ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THE SURGE IN TOURISM IN HIMALAYAN REGION 197. Dr. INDRA HANG SUBBA: Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government has assessed the economic impact of the surge in tourism in Himalayan region and if so, the details thereof; (b) whether the Government has taken any specific steps to sustain and further enhance this growth in the region and if so, the details thereof; (c) whether the Government has any plans to introduce further infrastructure improvement and sustainable tourism initiatives including eco-friendly projects to accommodate the rising tourist numbers in the high altitudes in the State of Sikkim; (d) if so, the details thereof along with their expected timelines for completion; and (e) whether the Government has any ongoing projects in Sikkim to promote trekking tourism and if so, the details thereof? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT) (a): During 2014 to 2025, the number of tourist visits to the Himalayan region has increased from 10.55 crores in 2014 to 40.78 crores in 2025, registering a growth of 286%. Improved tourist visits have generated higher employment and economic opportunities. (b): The Ministry of Tourism undertakes several activities to promote domestic tourism in a holistic manner. The Ministry annually organizes the International Tourism Mart (ITM) in the North Eastern States to showcase the tourism potential of the region, to domestic and international buyers, opinion makers, influencers etc. The 13th editionof ITM was held in Gangtok, Sikkim to highlight the different tourism destinations and products of the State, including adventure tourism, to the domestic and international stakeholders. In addition, to sustain and further enhance this growth, the Government has formulated the National Strategy for Adventure Tourism and the National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism. (c) to (e): Identification, development and promotion of tourism destinations and products is primarily undertaken by the concerned State Government (SG)/Union Territory Administration (UTA), while the Ministry of Tourism complements these efforts by extending financial assistance to all States/ UTs including Sikkim, under its central sector schemes, such as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0), Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD), and Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI). Sanctioned projects for the state of Sikkim under the SASCI scheme in the financial year 2024-25 include the Skywalk, Bhaleydhunga, Yangang in Namchi and Border Experience in Nathula. These projects are expected to be developed in a period of 2 years. Further, under the CBDD sub-scheme, projects for "Kabi Chronicles: A journey through Unity and Heritage" and "Echoes of Valor: The Gnathang Valley Experience” were also sanctioned in the financial year 2024-25. ********