A case study of an emerging tourist destination at namchi in south sikkim

Namchi is fast evolving into a major tourist destination in Sikkim with the coming up Siddhesvara Dham and Guru Padamasambhava statue at Samdruptse. Total tourist arrival (domestic and international) at Siddhesvara Dham was recorded at 162,747 in the year 2013 and 242,154 in 2014 touching the growth rate at 33 %. International tourists who visited Siddhesvara Dham increased to 8,478 in the year 2014 as compared to 2,882 in 2013 showing growth rate of 66 %. Similarly, domestic tourist arrivals at Samdruptse in the month of May were 15,400, 17,300 and 19,114 in 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively, with the growth rate of 11 % from 2012 to 2013, and 9.5 % increase from 2013 to 2014. Month of May carried the highest number of tourist load per year at both (Siddhesvara Dham and Guru Padamasambhava statue) tourist destinations. Prevailing tourism activity is observed to be playing a key role in preservation of cultural heritage and also providing direct and indirect employment opportunities to local people.