Gangtok, Jan 7: Sikkim welcomed more than 17 lakh tourists in 2025, marking an increase of over 82,000 arrivals compared to 2024, despite a significant drop in foreign visitors, officials said on Wednesday.

Domestic tourist arrivals rose from 15,40,421 in 2024 to 16,35,650 last year, while foreign arrivals fell to 71,710 from 84,710.

Tourism Department Additional Chief Secretary CS Rao attributed the decline in international visitors to extensive road damage along National Highway-10 in October, which disrupted travel plans. Rao also highlighted efforts to boost international tourism and promote sustainable practices in the state.

He expressed optimism that improved road conditions, including on NH-10, could push total tourist arrivals to nearly 20 lakh in 2026. Rao credited the growth in domestic tourism to Sikkim’s rising popularity as a Himalayan destination.