Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, chaired a meeting with tourism stakeholders at the Conference Hall of LAHDC Leh on March 11 to discuss key issues concerning the tourism sector in the region.

During the meeting, stakeholders raised several issues affecting the tourism industry and sought necessary interventions from the administration. Major concerns discussed included air connectivity and high airfares, operational issues related to the Tourism Department’s online portal, hotel registration and re-registration—particularly in Nubra Valley—and challenges related to LPCC approvals, fire safety compliance, electricity connections and other regulatory requirements.

Stakeholders highlighted the problem of limited flight capacity and high airfares, which are adversely affecting tourist inflow to Ladakh.

The Chief Secretary directed the concerned authorities to explore measures to improve air connectivity and increase flight frequency, particularly during the peak tourist season.

Concerns were also raised regarding the Tourism Department’s online portal. Stakeholders suggested that the portal should primarily focus on registration, information dissemination and promotion of Ladakh tourism rather than functioning as a booking platform, as this could adversely affect local tourism businesses.

The meeting also discussed the requirement of installing Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) for properties having more than 19 rooms, considering the high cost involved.

The Chief Secretary stated that the administration will examine the possibility of extending subsidies for STP installation for such units. Issues related to faecal sludge management, sanitation and the need for better coordination among departments and local bodies to maintain cleanliness in tourist areas were also discussed.

The issue of developing airport connectivity in Nubra Valley was also taken up during the meeting. The Chief Secretary directed the concerned authorities to take necessary steps to make the facility operational at the earliest to improve regional connectivity.

Further discussions were held on the existing homestay policy, tourism-related subsidies and support measures, and restrictions on foreign tourists in certain areas of Ladakh.

The Chief Secretary informed that the matter regarding foreign tourist restrictions will be taken up with the concerned ministry for further consideration.

He assured the stakeholders that the administration remains committed to the sustainable development of tourism in Ladakh and directed all concerned departments to work in close coordination to address the issues raised during the meeting.

The meeting was attended by Secretary Tourism 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, executive members of ALHAGHA, ALATOA, AKTTA and LMGA, representatives of various tourism associations, tour operators, hoteliers and officials from the concerned departments.