Gangtok, Aug. 19 -- The Sikkim Online Permit System proposed by the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department will introduce digital payments, non-transferable permits, secure tourist monitoring and government-controlled revenue collection for the state's protected and restricted tourist destinations.

Department officials outlined the proposed Integrated Online Permit System and environmental management framework during a press conference at Tourism Bhawan in Gangtok on Wednesday. They said the technology-driven reform is intended to strengthen transparency, accountability, tourist safety and sustainable tourism management.

The briefing followed a stakeholder consultation chaired by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang at Manan Kendra on August...