Ladakh News
CEC Reviews Tourism Season and Reaffirms Ladakh's Safety for Visitors Leh, 3 May 2025: The Hon'ble Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Leh, Adv. Tashi Gyalson, today convened a meeting with key stakeholders from Ladakh's tourism sector to review the ongoing season and address prevailing concerns. The meeting was held in the presence of the Deputy Commissioner/CEO, LAHDC Leh, Shri Santosh Sukhadeve. The delegation included prominent representatives from Ladakh's tourism trade: Shri P.T. Kunzang, President of the Ladakh Tourism Trade Alliance (LTTA); Shri Tsewang Dorjey, President of the All Ladakh Tour Operators Association (ALTOA); Shri Rigzin Lachic, President of the All Ladakh Hotel and Guest House Association (ALHGHA); Shri Tsewang Namgyal, General Secretary, ALTOA; Shri Norboo Wangchuk, General Secretary, ALHGHA; and Shri Nawang Tashi, Vice President. The representatives apprised the Hon'ble CEC of the steady influx of domestic tourists to the region, with travellers now actively exploring various destinations across Ladakh. The tourism bodies reiterated their collective commitment to extending warm hospitality, timely assistance, and accurate information to all visitors. Gratitude was expressed for the augmentation of VPN registration counters, which has facilitated the smoother issuance of Protected Area Permits (PAPs) for foreign nationals. A request was also submitted to take up with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) the matter of granting regional registration authority powers to the Deputy Commissioner/CEO of Leh to further streamline permit procedures. The delegation also urged the early reopening of the Leh-Manali road to support seamless travel connectivity. In response, the Hon'ble CEC conveyed that the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), along with Project Himank, is actively engaged in restoring the route, with all efforts directed towards its earliest possible reopening. Addressing concerns regarding misleading reports portraying Ladakh as unsafe for tourists, the Hon’ble CEC firmly reassured that Ladakh remains a safe and welcoming destination. He encouraged travellers to disregard such unfounded rumours and affirmed the administration's commitment to ensuring the safety and comfort of all visitors. The CEC concluded the meeting by reaffirming the Hill Council's resolve to promote Ladakh as a premier tourist destination. He assured stakeholders of continued support from the administration and indicated that additional destinations within the region are expected to open to tourists by June, further enhancing the scope of the ongoing season. |
