Gangtok, Feb. 25: Sikkim has shared the award for the best performing state in tourism for 2006-07 with Madhya Pradesh.

Sikkim has been selected for the award by the Union tourism ministry in recognition of the efforts made by the Himalayan state for the overall development and promotion of the sector.

State tourism minister R.B. Subba, along with commissioner-cum-secretary, tourism, G.P. Upadhyaya, will receive the award from external affairs minister Pranab Mukerjee at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on Wednesday.

The awardees were selected by a jury comprising officials from the ministry of tourism and eminent personalities in the industry after a thorough research and survey of all states and Union territories.

Speaking to The Telegraph over phone from New Delhi, Subba said: “We are very happy. The honour will inspire us. We have been doing our best and putting all efforts to promote tourism, which the Centre has recognised.”

He added that the number of people visiting the state had increased by over 20 per cent in the past year.

Sikkim has bagged the award for the best performing state in tourism in the Northeast for five consecutive years.