Coronavirus Scare Cripples Tourism Industry in Sikkim, Losses in Crores

Gangtok, March 7, 2020:

Amid the worldwide panic over the outbreak of the coronavirus (or COVID-19) that has affected at least 1 lakh people in over 65 nations, the lucrative Tourism Industry in Northeast Indian State Sikkim has seen a massive downturn.

A stroll through the usually bustling streets will reveal empty hotels and closed tourist spots and there consensus among the people involved in the state's tourism industry.

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Talking to Inside Northeast, Lukendra Rasaily who is the Advisor of Travel Agents and Association of Sikkim complained that the economy will most likely be crippled if the Tourism industry continues taking hits due to the "Government has not given advisory, they have completely stopped foreigners from coming here. Tourists from Bhutan and Nepal do not need permits to come here, but they too have been stopped. This will impact the economy dangerously. Nobody can tell how long this will last, no vaccine is there.."

Rasaily also informed us that the restrictions in regards to foreigners' visit have already been initiated, and they are being advised to postpone their visit till after the threat is averted.

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Manoj Prasad, the owner of Club7 Holidays, a travel agency, laments that the livelihoods of the locals who earn their keep by entertaining tourists is being badly affected. "There is an excess impact on tourism. The drivers, guides et al are sitting idle; they are unable to earn. Trade has also been hit hard as imports of products from other countries such as China has been stalled. Holi Colours have been sold for hiked prices. Masks are selling at high prices---around Rs 70. Economy and tourism sector has gone down completely."

According to some estimates, the industry stands to run losses running into the crores. All the travel desks are empty and tourists are cancelling their planned trips to Sikkim as it shares a border with China where the virus originated. However Nathula which connects Indian and China has been closed down and people are not being allowed to cross the borders.

Sikkim's woes were compounded after the detection of the virus in neighboring country Bhutan. Since the outbreak in Bhutan, popular tourist destinations are often seen deserted and the locals are starting to panic over an imminent outbreak.

It is unfortunate for the locals who eke out a living from Tourism as Sikkim is witnessing it's peak tourist season, with a bevy of festivals and events -- usually flocked by tourists from all nationalities -- in the pipeline.

Meanwhile, screening for the coronavirus in the Rangpo checkpost has also been intensified and the government has already advised the security personnel not to allow any person to enter Sikkim without proper travel details.

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