Press Release
Press Release from Tribal Research Institute and Training Centre, Social Welfare Dept
Information & Public Relations Department
A delegation of 15 tribal homestay owners from Sikkim, facilitated by the Tribal Research Institute and Training Centre under the Social Welfare Department, Govt of Sikkim, is participating in the Capacity Building Workshop for Tribal Homestay Owners being held at Hotel Samrat, New Delhi, from 16–25 March 2026.
The workshop is being organised by the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India. The programme is aimed at strengthening the capacities of tribal homestay operators across the country by providing training in hospitality management, tourism services, guest experience, and sustainable community-based tourism practices. This initiative is in alignment with the vision of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim, which emphasises the development of rural areas and the empowerment of rural communities through sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Ranjana Chopra, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Manish Thakur, IAS, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, and Mugdha Sinha, Managing Director, ITDC, along with other senior officials from the Government of India.
The training programme is being implemented by the India Tourism Development Corporation Ltd in collaboration with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs , GOI IHM Ashok, ITDC, is providing expert-led sessions on hospitality standards, customer service, hygiene and sanitation, marketing of homestays, and promotion of indigenous cultural experiences.
The participation of the 15 tribal homestay owners from Sikkim reflects the State’s growing emphasis on community-based tourism and sustainable livelihood opportunities for tribal communities. The programme will help participants enhance their skills and strengthen their ability to manage homestays while showcasing Sikkim’s unique cultural heritage, traditional lifestyles, and natural attractions to visitors.
The training will contribute to improving the quality of tribal homestays in the State, enabling local communities to benefit from tourism while preserving their cultural identity and traditions.
The initiative forms part of the Government of India’s broader efforts to promote tribal tourism, entrepreneurship, and skill development across tribal regions of the country.
The workshop is being organised by the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India. The programme is aimed at strengthening the capacities of tribal homestay operators across the country by providing training in hospitality management, tourism services, guest experience, and sustainable community-based tourism practices. This initiative is in alignment with the vision of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim, which emphasises the development of rural areas and the empowerment of rural communities through sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Ranjana Chopra, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Manish Thakur, IAS, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, and Mugdha Sinha, Managing Director, ITDC, along with other senior officials from the Government of India.
The training programme is being implemented by the India Tourism Development Corporation Ltd in collaboration with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs , GOI IHM Ashok, ITDC, is providing expert-led sessions on hospitality standards, customer service, hygiene and sanitation, marketing of homestays, and promotion of indigenous cultural experiences.
The participation of the 15 tribal homestay owners from Sikkim reflects the State’s growing emphasis on community-based tourism and sustainable livelihood opportunities for tribal communities. The programme will help participants enhance their skills and strengthen their ability to manage homestays while showcasing Sikkim’s unique cultural heritage, traditional lifestyles, and natural attractions to visitors.
The training will contribute to improving the quality of tribal homestays in the State, enabling local communities to benefit from tourism while preserving their cultural identity and traditions.
The initiative forms part of the Government of India’s broader efforts to promote tribal tourism, entrepreneurship, and skill development across tribal regions of the country.
