Press Release
Press Release from Tourism and Civil Aviation Department
Information & Public Relations Department
IHM Gangtok Conducts Culinary Arts and Bakery Training for Homestay Operators and Aspiring Entrepreneurs under Sikkim INSPIRES.
Gangtok, 28 February 2026: The Institute of Hotel Management, Gangtok, successfully conducted a one-week Culinary Arts and Bakery Training Programme from 23rd February to 28th February 2026 under the Sikkim INSPIRES initiative of the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Government of Sikkim. The training was designed to build the capacity of homestay operators and also encouraged participation from young entrepreneurs interested in establishing and strengthening homestay ventures.
The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from 30 homestay operators and aspiring entrepreneurs, reflecting the growing interest in enhancing hospitality standards and promoting entrepreneurship through skill development. The training aimed to equip participants with essential culinary and bakery skills to improve food quality, guest experience, and overall service standards in homestays across the state.
The training modules covered a comprehensive range of topics, including basic cooking techniques, Indian menu planning and preparation, bakery theory and practical demonstrations, food hygiene and sanitation, food service techniques, homestay management, and costing and cost control. These modules were delivered through a combination of classroom sessions and hands-on practical training by experienced faculty members of IHM Gangtok.
Recognising the importance of marketing and business sustainability, the programme also included a specialised session on Digital Marketing, delivered by an Assistant Professor from Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology. This session focused on helping participants effectively promote and brand their homestays and food services through digital platforms, thereby enhancing their visibility and market reach.
In addition, a dedicated session on Financial Literacy and Access to Loans was conducted by a representative from the State Bank of India, where participants were guided on financial planning, loan schemes, and opportunities available to support entrepreneurship and business expansion in the hospitality sector.
As part of the experiential learning component, participants undertook a field visit to Bustee Homestay in Ranka, where they were able to observe firsthand the successful operation of a homestay. The visit provided valuable insights into best practices in food preparation, guest service, hygiene standards, and overall homestay management, further reinforcing the practical application of the skills learned during the training.
The programme marks a significant step under the Sikkim INSPIRES initiative in strengthening the capacity of homestay operators, promoting entrepreneurship, and enhancing the quality and competitiveness of community-based tourism in Sikkim. Through such initiatives, IHM Gangtok continues to play a vital role in empowering local communities, improving service standards, and supporting sustainable tourism development in the state. The next training will be conducted from 9th to 13th March, 2026.
Gangtok, 28 February 2026: The Institute of Hotel Management, Gangtok, successfully conducted a one-week Culinary Arts and Bakery Training Programme from 23rd February to 28th February 2026 under the Sikkim INSPIRES initiative of the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Government of Sikkim. The training was designed to build the capacity of homestay operators and also encouraged participation from young entrepreneurs interested in establishing and strengthening homestay ventures.
The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from 30 homestay operators and aspiring entrepreneurs, reflecting the growing interest in enhancing hospitality standards and promoting entrepreneurship through skill development. The training aimed to equip participants with essential culinary and bakery skills to improve food quality, guest experience, and overall service standards in homestays across the state.
The training modules covered a comprehensive range of topics, including basic cooking techniques, Indian menu planning and preparation, bakery theory and practical demonstrations, food hygiene and sanitation, food service techniques, homestay management, and costing and cost control. These modules were delivered through a combination of classroom sessions and hands-on practical training by experienced faculty members of IHM Gangtok.
Recognising the importance of marketing and business sustainability, the programme also included a specialised session on Digital Marketing, delivered by an Assistant Professor from Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology. This session focused on helping participants effectively promote and brand their homestays and food services through digital platforms, thereby enhancing their visibility and market reach.
In addition, a dedicated session on Financial Literacy and Access to Loans was conducted by a representative from the State Bank of India, where participants were guided on financial planning, loan schemes, and opportunities available to support entrepreneurship and business expansion in the hospitality sector.
As part of the experiential learning component, participants undertook a field visit to Bustee Homestay in Ranka, where they were able to observe firsthand the successful operation of a homestay. The visit provided valuable insights into best practices in food preparation, guest service, hygiene standards, and overall homestay management, further reinforcing the practical application of the skills learned during the training.
The programme marks a significant step under the Sikkim INSPIRES initiative in strengthening the capacity of homestay operators, promoting entrepreneurship, and enhancing the quality and competitiveness of community-based tourism in Sikkim. Through such initiatives, IHM Gangtok continues to play a vital role in empowering local communities, improving service standards, and supporting sustainable tourism development in the state. The next training will be conducted from 9th to 13th March, 2026.
