The tourism and civil aviation department of Sikkim has issued an advisory for tourists, asking them to plan their trips only through travel agencies which are registered with the department.

The advisory, which was issued by Bandana Chhetri, an additional secretary of the department on Monday, mentioned that they have received complaints regarding fraudulent online travel agencies from tourists.

“To avoid such complications, it is advised that tourists intending to visit Sikkim should get their bookings done or plan their trips only with agencies which are registered with the department. The list of such agencies is available in the department’s website (www.sikkimtourism.gov.in),” said a source.

The selection of such agencies would also ensure the safety of tourists and they can have a satisfactory trip to the mountain state. “It will also mitigate the risk of falling victim to scams,” the source added.

Along with the advisory, the department has also published a list of 18 officers and employees of the department. They have been deputed as nodal officers in the six districts of Sikkim – Gangtok, Mangan, Pakyong, Namchi, Soreng and Gyalshing – to resolve tourism related grievances.

“This will help in resolving tourism related issues in a prompt manner. If required, the nodal officers can communicate with senior officials of the department to redress any issue,” said a source.

As per the data available with the department, 6,33,266 domestic tourists have visited the state from January to May 26 this year while 46,697 foreign tourists had been to Sikkim till April this year.

“The number of foreign tourists is on the rise in Sikkim over the past few years as in 2018, the restriction on Bangladeshi tourists has been withdrawn. Hundreds of Bangladeshis, who would earlier go to north India to enjoy a trip at the hill station, are swarming in Sikkim now,” said Debasish Chakraborty, general secretary, Eastern Himalaya Travel & Tour Operators’ Association.

Those associated with the industry however pointed out that road conditions should be improved in northern parts of the state.