Leh, June 24: The Hon’ble Chairman/Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Leh, Adv. Tashi Gyalson, convened a high-level meeting at the H’CEC’s chamber to deliberate on pressing issues related to tourism in the region.
The meeting was attended by Executive Councillors Sh. Ghulam Mehdi, Sh. Stanzin Chosphel, and Sh. Tashi Namgyal Yakzee, along with Secretary Tourism and Culture, UT Ladakh, Sh. Vikram Singh Malik (IAS), Deputy Commissioner/CEO LAHDC Leh, Sh. Romil Singh Donk (IAS), SSP Leh Smt. Shruti Arora, ADC Ghulam Mohammad (JKAS) and AD Tourism Smt. Padma Angmo.
The meeting also saw the active participation of key stakeholders from major tourism associations. Among them were Smt. Rigzin Wangmo Lachic, President of ALGHA; Sh. PT Kunzang, President of ALTA; and Sh. Tsewang Dorjey, President of the ALTOA along with other officials.
The agenda focused on matters concerning the registration and regulation of hotels, homestays, and travel agencies. Stakeholders raised serious concerns regarding provisions in a recent circular related to registration processes. Responding to these concerns, Hon’ble CEC directed the concerned authorities to revise the minutes of the meeting, noting that several provisions were not aligned with the interests of the local tourism associations.
Addressing the recent setbacks faced by the tourism industry, Hon’ble CEC announced a financial assistance of ₹1 crore for tourism promotion, following a request from ALTA President Sh. PT Kunzang, President ALGHA and President ALTOA.
In the course of the discussion, ALTOA President Sh. Tsewang Dorjey Highlighted the registration of travel agents, and recommended for a similar to the existing requirement for Adventure and Mountaineering Tour Operators.
Additionally, it was clarified that expedition permits for open peaks will be issued by the Assistant Director of Tourism through registered mountaineering tour operators and such permits issued by AD, Tourism will only be considered legitimate.
The meeting concluded with a collective commitment to ensure sustainable, regulated, and locally inclusive tourism development in Ladakh.
