Dynamics of Tourism Growth and It’s Impact on an Emerging Destination: A Study on Gangtok, Sikkim

Abstract

Sikkim is a serene and enchanting hilly state in the Eastern Himalayas and Gangtok, a high potential tourism area is its capital. Gangtok abounds in cultural and natural assets in addition to being in the thick of things in the tourism arena in terms of heavy tourists' influx in the recent past. It is a fact that heavy infrastructure development by way of numerous hotels and allied tourism resources and services coupled with population growth is exerting more pressure on this hill town and the adjoining areas. This study primarily attempts to understand the impact of Mass Tourism on Gangtok. The study also throws light on the multiplier effect of tourism owing to intense tourism activities and investments. This paper attempts to unveil the efforts of the various stake holders in tourism promotion. Efforts are made to assess the carrying capacity of the Destination. The Research Work was carried out at various places of Sikkim. Both Primary as well as secondary sources were utilized for the study. The primary sources included the interviews with experts and consultants viz. the Tourism Dept Travel Agents and NGO's, Eco Tourism Promotion Agencies, ECCOS, KCC and the Tourists