Ashish Kundra, Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh, chaired a meeting with tourism stakeholders in Leh to discuss key issues affecting the tourism sector in the region.
The meeting was held at the Conference Hall of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Leh, where representatives from tourism associations, tour operators, hotel owners and officials from various departments participated.
Stakeholders Raise Concerns Over Air Connectivity and High Airfares
During the meeting, stakeholders highlighted several challenges impacting tourism in Ladakh, including limited flight capacity and high airfares, which they said are affecting tourist arrivals in the region.
Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra directed the concerned authorities to explore measures to improve air connectivity and increase flight frequency, particularly during the peak tourist season.
Tourism Portal and Hotel Registration Issues Discussed
Stakeholders also raised concerns regarding the online portal of the Tourism Department, suggesting that it should primarily focus on registration, information sharing and promotion of Ladakh tourism rather than functioning as a booking platform.
They also discussed issues related to hotel registration and re-registration, especially in the Nubra Valley, along with regulatory requirements such as LPCC approvals, fire safety compliance and electricity connections.
Proposal to Support Sewage Treatment Plant Installation
The meeting also addressed the requirement of installing Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) for tourism properties with more than 19 rooms, which stakeholders said involves significant costs.
The Chief Secretary stated that the administration will examine the possibility of providing subsidies for STP installation to support tourism businesses.
Issues related to faecal sludge management, sanitation and maintaining cleanliness in tourist areas were also discussed, with emphasis on better coordination between departments and local bodies.
Airport Connectivity in Nubra Valley
Another important issue raised was the need to develop airport connectivity in Nubra Valley to improve access to remote tourist destinations.
Ashish Kundra directed the concerned authorities to take necessary steps to make the facility operational at the earliest to strengthen regional connectivity.
Review of Homestay Policy and Foreign Tourist Restrictions
The meeting also reviewed the existing homestay policy, tourism subsidies and other support measures for the sector.
Stakeholders raised concerns regarding restrictions on foreign tourists in certain areas of Ladakh. The Chief Secretary said the matter will be taken up with the concerned ministry for further consideration.
Administration Committed to Sustainable Tourism
Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra assured stakeholders that the Ladakh administration remains committed to the sustainable development of tourism in the region.
He directed all departments to work in close coordination to address the issues raised and strengthen Ladakh’s tourism ecosystem.
The meeting was attended by Sanjit Rodrigues, Secretary IT Shashanka Ala, Additional Secretary Tourism Mandeep Mittal, Director Tourism Tsering Paldan, Assistant Director Tourism Leh Padma Angmo, Assistant Director Tourism Kargil Muhammad Ali Tak, and representatives from tourism associations including ALHAGHA, ALATOA, AKTTA and LMGA.
