SMART TOURISM PRACTICES IN SIKKIM: INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGY FOR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

Sikkim is at the forefront of adopting smart tourism practices to enhance visitor experiences, improve transportation efficiency, and promote sustainable development. This research explores the integration of technology across various sectors, including smart destinations, transportation, accommodations, local community engagement, and facilities. Utilizing secondary data, personal observations, and interactions with stakeholders, this study provides a comprehensive overview of the smart tourism initiatives implemented in Sikkim. By assessing factors such as smart destinations, smart accessibility, smart accommodations, smart amenities, tourist experience, smart governance, and local community technologies, the research evaluates how ICT tools enhance the overall travel experience and contribute to sustainable tourism development. The findings demonstrate that smart tourism practices significantly enhance visitor satisfaction, optimize resource use, and minimize environmental impact. This study highlights the transformative potential of smart tourism in creating a more efficient and sustainable tourism environment in Sikkim.