Gangtok Civic Body Makes SRRT Registration Mandatory for Hospitality Trade Licences

The Gangtok Municipal Corporation (GMC) has made registration under the Sikkim Registration of Tourist Trade Act, 2024 mandatory for the issuance and renewal of trade licences for hospitality establishments operating within its jurisdiction.
According to an official notice issued by the civic body on Thursday, all tourism-related businesses—including hotels, homestays, guest houses and restaurants—functioning in Gangtok must obtain registration under the SRRT Act, 2024 and the Sikkim Registration of Tourist Trade Rules, 2025 before applying for trade licence issuance or renewal.
The municipal authority clarified that trade licences will only be processed after verification of SRRT registration issued by the Sikkim Tourism and Civil Aviation Department. The move is aimed at strengthening regulatory oversight and ensuring that all tourism-related establishments operate within the legal framework set by the state government.
Officials stated that the step is intended to streamline the licensing process and maintain proper records of businesses engaged in the tourism sector, which plays a crucial role in the local economy. By linking municipal trade licences with state-level tourist trade registration, authorities hope to improve transparency and compliance among hospitality operators.
The GMC has also directed all concerned establishments to complete the mandatory registration process at the earliest. It warned that failure to comply with the new requirement could affect the processing or renewal of trade licence applications.
Civic officials emphasized that the measure will help ensure better regulation of tourism-related businesses while maintaining service standards in the city’s rapidly growing hospitality sector.
As a popular tourist destination in Sikkim, Gangtok has witnessed steady growth in hotels, homestays and restaurants over the years. Authorities believe that the new rule will help bring all such establishments under a uniform regulatory framework, improving monitoring and governance within the municipal jurisdiction.
The directive is expected to strengthen coordination between municipal authorities and the state tourism department, ensuring that tourism businesses operate with proper approvals and follow established norms.
Officials said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to improve administrative efficiency and promote responsible tourism practices in the state capital.