Gangtok, August 29: The Sikkim Tourism and Civil Aviation Department will introduce mandatory digital processing for several tourism-related registrations from September 1, 2026. Hotels, resorts, homestays, restaurants and other listed tourism businesses will have to submit registration applications through the Single Sign-On (SSO) online portal.
The department will also replace the existing Bank Receipt System with online payments. However, tourism services not yet available on the portal will continue to accept physical applications, with payments made through QR codes. The move aims to simplify services and make tourism-related business processes faster and more transparent.
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Key Facts
- Effective date: September 1, 2026
- State: Sikkim
- Department: Tourism and Civil Aviation Department
- Digital platform: Single Sign-On (SSO) portal
- Services covered: Hotels, resorts, homestays, restaurants and others
- Old payment system: Bank Receipt System
- New payment system: Online payment gateway and QR payments
- Compliance: District Tourism Officers and Tourist Information Centres
Sikkim Moves Tourism Registrations Online
From September 1, the Sikkim government will require digital processing for registrations covering several tourism services.
The new system will cover hotels, resorts, bed and breakfasts, service apartments, holiday homes, homestays and restaurants.
Businesses in these categories will need to submit and process their registration applications through the government’s SSO online portal.
The department said the move will help streamline tourism services and support the state’s wider digitalisation efforts.
Bank Receipt System to End
The Tourism and Civil Aviation Department will also discontinue the existing Bank Receipt System from September 1.
Instead, businesses will make registration payments through an online payment gateway available on the SSO portal.
Officials will also use the online payment facility when processing applications. This requirement will apply even when applicants submit their documents physically.
The change aims to create a uniform digital payment process and reduce dependence on traditional banking receipts.
Some Tourism Services Will Continue With Physical Applications
Not every tourism service currently has access to the online registration system.
Therefore, businesses such as travel agents, adventure tour operators, outdoor photographers, tourist guides and cooks can continue submitting their applications physically.
However, the department has also ended the Bank Receipt System for these categories.
Instead, applicants will make payments using QR codes linked to sound boxes. The department will recognise QR payment receipts as the sole valid proof of payment for these services.
Officials Asked to Ensure Compliance
The department has directed all District Tourism Officers and Tourist Information Centres to ensure strict compliance with the new rules.
Officials will also assist tourism stakeholders during the transition to digital registration and payment services.
The department expects the new system to make tourism-related processes more convenient for businesses while improving the efficiency of government services.
Aim to Simplify Tourism Business Processes
Sikkim attracts visitors throughout the year because of its mountains, natural landscapes and cultural tourism.
With tourism playing an important role in the state’s economy, the government wants to make registration and payment procedures easier for tourism stakeholders.
The department said the digital system will support smoother implementation of tourism services and help simplify business processes across the state.
What Changes From September 1, 2026?
Sikkim will make online registration and processing mandatory for several tourism businesses through the SSO portal.
Which Businesses Must Use the SSO Portal?
Hotels, resorts, bed and breakfasts, service apartments, holiday homes, homestays and restaurants will use the online registration system.
What Happens to the Bank Receipt System?
The department will discontinue the Bank Receipt System from September 1 and introduce online payments through the SSO portal.
Can Some Businesses Still Apply Physically?
Yes. Travel agents, adventure tour operators, outdoor photographers, tourist guides and cooks can continue physical applications because their services are not yet available on the online system.
How Will These Businesses Pay?
They will make payments through designated QR codes with sound boxes. QR payment receipts will serve as the accepted proof of payment.
Location Context
Sikkim is a major tourism destination in Northeast India and the eastern Himalayas. The government’s digital registration system could make it easier for tourism businesses across the state to access services while supporting more efficient tourism administration.