Sikkim hosts mountain biking camp to boost adventure tourism in state

Gangtok, Dec 2 (ANI): In a bid to promote adventure tourism, state authorities of Sikkim organised a training camp for mountain biking.

Capacity Building Training for the Tourism Stake Holders of North East Region was organized by the Travel Agents Association of Sikkim (TAAS) with an aim to attract the youth towards adventure sports and to make them aware of its scope.

Approximately 25 participants from across northeastern states underwent training and appreciated the efforts of the Sikkim government in organising the mountain biking camp.

"I think it's a very exciting adventure. Moreover, we learn something new. I knew nothing about mountain biking but after coming to this place, we got to learn more about these bikes. What are the parts and what are the things we need to learn, we got to know it," said Lalrintluanga Varte, a biker from Mizoram.

The organisers of the event said that the objective of such a training camp was to ensure that the tourism industry is revived in the state and they are able to generate more employment.

"Basically, our aim is to focus on this adventure tourism because we have so many things to offer even in adventure tourism. But lacking is like manpower and resource person. So, that way we could, I mean, enhance our tourism in a better way also in this adventure tourism. That is our main goal," said Sonam Norgay Lachungpa, general secretary, TAAS.

Lachungpa added that by promoting the sport, they would be able to create awareness about the adverse impact of global warming on the environment.

A large number of tourists from various parts of the country as well as from abroad visit Sikkim and of late adventure-tourism have gained popularity. (ANI)