Sustainable development in the region is important for a pathway towards Sustainable Tourism
Ladakh Administration is laying a strong emphasis on promoting Border Tourism in the region. However, the Union Territory is focusing on preserving its environment, ecology and culture through Responsible and Sustainable Tourism. This was deliberated by the Speakers during the 11th webinar under PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Border Tourism Webinar Series held on November 12, 2021 focusing on Leh and Kargil districts for the promotion of Border Tourism in Ladakh. The webinar was supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
Delivering the Chief Guest Address, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha & President, Bharatiya Janata Party Ladakh, said that Ladakh has a huge potential in the tourism sector but it is looking for quality tourism and not just quantity tourism. Hence sustainable development in the region is important for a pathway towards Sustainable Tourism.
Since its opening for the tourists in 1974, Ladakh has attracted many foreign tourists and in the recent years there has been an increase in domestic tourists also, said Mr. Namgyal. Winter Tourism is another important segment and to promote this further, the U. T. will be organizing a month long Winter Sports Festival for the adventure enthusiasts in February 2022.
The Ministry of Home Affairs had recently opened some more areas of Ladakh for international tourism – Khaltse, Nubra and Nyoma sub-division. These areas are among the outstanding feature of Himalayan panorama
He further mentioned that it was important for all Indians to explore and be aware of Ladakh’s rural areas as it would further increase tourism and consequently uplift the livelihood of the locals. Border Tourism is crucial for strengthening national security while establishing a strong foothold at India’s border areas. Therefore, increase in Border Tourism is directly linked to the national interest.
Rupinder Brar (IRS), Additional Director General – Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, appreciated the efforts taken by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for improving connectivity in Ladakh region. Connectivity is the key for tourism anywhere in the world and especially in border areas, she said. The role of Border Tourism in bringing local communities together is crucial in today’s time. She emphasized that there was a need for capacity building and skill development as it will help to scale up the quality of human resources while creating employment opportunities for the locals.
While giving an overview about the tourist places in Ladakh, K Mehboob Ali Khan (IRS), Secretary, Tourism and Culture, Administration of U. T. of Ladakh, said that Ladakh had rich heritage sites, flora and fauna, religious tourism places, a majority of which were yet to be discovered. The Ladakh Administration had recently done away with the Inner Line Permit (ILP) for domestic tourists visiting all notified protected areas of the region which would further help in increasing tourism. However, the Administration was laying great emphasis on Sustainable and Responsible Tourism and not just looking at numbers. The Secretary Tourism informed that the Administration would soon launch its Tourism Policy, where Border Tourism would also be included.
Deleks Namgyal, President, All Ladakh Tour Operator Association, said that Ladakh Tourism was now in full swing as infrastructure development like roads and telecom towers had brought both physical and digital connectivity in the region. The new Homestay Policy was a great initiative to bring tourists closer to the rustic culture of Ladakh. The Umling La Pass had become a major attraction for thousands of tourists and with the opening of Siachen Glacier base camp, it would certainly boost tourism, employment and stronger border presence in Ladakh.
In his Presidential Address, Pradeep Multani, President, PHDCCI, said that tourism in Ladakh offered a variety of sightseeing and entertainment opportunities for all kinds of travellers. The Ministry of Home Affairs had recently opened some more areas of Ladakh for international tourism – Khaltse, Nubra and Nyoma sub-division. These areas are among the outstanding feature of Himalayan panorama. It could be yet another destination for the global tourists looking for Cultural and Adventure Tourism.
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