Second Annual Convention of SAATO Concluded 2005

Second Annual Convention of Sikkim association of Adventure Tour Operators (SAATO) was haled from 12th – 19th January 2006 in Sikkim, North East India. The SAATO convention was also attended by the Nepalese tourism experts to discuss and exchange knowledge over different agendas and to work towards bilateral tourism development between Nepal and Sikkim. Nepalese delegation included Mr. Bijaya Pradhan – Ex. Chairman - Dream Nepal Travels & Tours Pvt. Ltd., Mrs. Pramita Pradhan – Director - Discover Nepal, Mr. Amar Mali – Managing Director - Rhino Resort, Mr. Raju Shrestha Pushkar Hotel Thamel, Mr. Samir Thapa – Principal - Silver Mountain School of Hospitality & Management, Mr. Rajeev Dangol – Reporter – Nepal Travel Trade Reporter – NTTR and the team from - Kantipur TV.

Acting CM Mr. DD Bhutia was the Chief Guest for the convention. There were also delegates from different parts of India and Bhutan.

“ Due to linguistic and cultural similarities tour operators from Nepal and Sikkim can work together to develop package tours to Sikkim and vice versa. Sikkim is a place having tourism potential and this trend is slowly gaining recognition. The convention was entirely focused on learning ideas to develop Adventure Sports Activities in Sikkim for which we were pledged for ideological support by SAATO,” informs Bijaya Pradhan – Ex. Chairman – Dream Nepal Travels & Tours. Pvt. Ltd.

The Business Session were in the following topics:

Scope of Adventure Tourism in the Himalayas – Chaired by Mr. A Dutta, IPS (ADGP) and the participants were from TAAN, Bhutan, North – East India (Mrs. Yane Dai), Darjeeling & Sikkim.

Regional Co-operation – Chaired by Mr. P.K. Dong and the participants were from Bhutan, Nepal, North East India, Darjeeling & Sikkim.

Marketing of Eco – Tourism – Chaired by Mr. Rakesh Mathur.

SAATO has been founded with the sole motto to develop Sikkim as a potential tourism destination and develop professionalism in the sector of Adventure Tourism in Sikkim. It has completed the second year of its establishment and is moving ahead with clear visions and missions to make Sikkim a premium Adventure tourist destination.

PROGRAM FOR THE 2ND. SAATO CONVENTION :
JAN 12. Arrival Guests at Namchi. O/N. Hotel.
JAN 13. A.M. CONVENTION. P.M. Namchi Sightseeing. O/N. Hotel.
JAN 14. Day long visit and participate in Jorethang Mela. O/N. Hotel.
JAN 15. A.M. Transfer to Gangtok. P.M. Rumtek Monastery Tour.
JAN 16. Departure Gangtok for Lachung. O/N. Hotel / Lodge.
JAN 17. YUMTHANG VALLEY TOUR. O/N. Hotel / Lodge.
JAN 18. Return to Gangtok. O/N. Hotel.
JAN 19. Departure Transfer to Airport or Railway Station.