The Mandeybung-Dentam Constituency of Sikkim, India Apex Tourism Development Co-operative Society (commonly known as the Dentam Tourism Development Society) has taken significant strides in promoting sustainable tourism in the region. In alignment with the vision of Hon’ble Area MLA Shri Sudesh Kumar Subba, Advisor, Tourism & Civil Aviation, Government of Sikkim, the society has focused on encouraging local participation and unlocking the tourism potential of the area.

Awareness and Capacity Building

Over the past 18 months, the society conducted several door-to-door awareness programs, workshops, and community engagement initiatives aimed at educating the local population about the economic and cultural benefits of homestay tourism. These efforts highlighted the importance of:

• Sustainable and eco-friendly tourism practices

• Preservation of local culture and biodiversity

• Income generation through community-based tourism

Outcomes and Achievements

As a direct result of these sustained efforts, more than 30 homestays have been successfully established across the Maneybong-Dentam Constituency within just 18 months. These homestays are:

• Owned and operated by local families

• Offering authentic Sikkimese hospitality

• Creating employment opportunities for youth and women

• Enhancing the overall tourism experience in West Sikkim

Impact

This grassroots-level tourism development has had a transformative impact on the community:

• Economic Empowerment: Local families have gained a reliable source of income.

• Cultural Revival: Traditional food, attire, and customs are now being showcased to visitors.

• Environmental Awareness: Communities are more engaged in conserving natural resources and maintaining cleanliness.

Conclusion

The success of this initiative reflects the power of community-led tourism and effective awareness campaigns. The Dentam Tourism Development Society, with the support of the Hon’ble MLA Shri Sudesh Kumar Subba, has laid a strong foundation for a sustainable tourism model that can be replicated in other regions of Sikkim.