Texas, USA 14 November 2026: Sikkim’s rich avian diversity and immense potential for nature-based tourism have gained international visibility with the unveiling of the Birding Hotspot Map of Sikkim at the ongoing four-day International Birding Fair in Texas, USA.
The map was officially released by Ms. Tracy Zervos, one of the organisers of Birdfair Texas, in the presence of international participants representing various states of the United States and several countries. Copies of the map were distributed among participants to introduce Sikkim’s remarkable birdlife, wildlife and birding destinations to the international birding community.
Dr. Peter Lobo, Chapter Chairman of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), Sikkim and North Bengal, and proprietor of All India Birding Tours (Adventure Gurudongmar), is representing the region at the international event. He has been actively promoting the Sikkim–North Bengal birding circuit and exploring opportunities to attract international birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts to the Eastern Himalayas.
The Birding Hotspot Map was conceptualised and designed by Shri Chewang R. Bonpo, President of the Sikkim Ornithological Society and proprietor of Sikkim Birding Tours, registered under the Department of Tourism, Government of Sikkim.
The map showcases Sikkim’s iconic Himalayan bird species, wildlife and important birding hotspots, providing international visitors with an introduction to the state’s exceptional natural heritage and its potential as a world-class birding destination.
The initiative goes beyond tourism promotion. Its broader vision is to encourage high-value, low-impact nature tourism, creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for trained and licensed local bird guides while supporting rural homestays and local communities across Sikkim.
The concept of promoting birdwatching tourism internationally was also discussed during the previous International Tourism Mart (ITM) held in Tawang, where Hon’ble Tourism Minister Shri T.T. Bhutia and Mrs. Hondala Gyaltsen, Secretary, Department of Tourism, Government of Sikkim, discussed the proposed Birdfair initiative with Dr. Peter Lobo. These discussions helped lay the foundation for promoting Sikkim’s birding potential on an international platform.
According to Dr. Lobo, the response from international participants at the Texas event has been encouraging, with considerable interest in the rich biodiversity and natural landscapes of Sikkim and North Bengal.
The international exposure is expected to strengthen the region’s visibility among overseas birdwatchers, wildlife photographers and nature travellers, opening new opportunities for responsible inbound tourism.
The unveiling of the map represents an important step towards positioning Sikkim and North Bengal as internationally recognised destinations for Himalayan birding, wildlife tourism and sustainable nature-based travel.
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