![Tourism is a major contributor to the states economy](http://media.assettype.com/outlooktraveller%2Fimport%2Foutlooktraveller%2Fpublic%2Fuploads%2Farticles%2Ftravelnews%2Fshutterstock_6618674351.jpg?w=480&auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max)
A 23-page Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been issued by the Sikkim government as the state opened to domestic tourists from October 10.
The reopening of the tourism sector will occur in various phases. The primary focus will be on effectively managing the tourism industry and ensuring strict implementation of the SOP guidelines to ensure that health is not compromised. Although not made compulsory, tourists are advised to carry a COVID-negative certificate issued 72 hours prior to their entry into the state.
Tourists must compulsorily carry a &lsquoTravel Card&rsquo which can be applied for online on the Sikkim Tourism Web Portal. Hotels located in containment zones are not allowed to function and tourists are advised not to enter them.
Sikkim has been on the lower range of cases in the country with a total of 3321 cases as of October 11. With these SOP measures, Sikkim joins the list of states that are resuming trade and business to sustain their economy.
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