Excelsior Correspondent
LEH, Oct 10: Celebrating the growth of tourism industry in Ladakh, All Ladakh Tour Operators Association (ALTOA) organised its annual convention here today.
Speaking on the occasion, MP Thupstan Chhewang informed about various steps taken by Government to boost the tourism industry in Ladakh which includes civil aviation policy bill through which one hour duration flight to cost Rs.2500 to make 80 Airstrip functional in first phase, expansion of Airport bay to accommodate more flights at a time, Neemo-Padum-Darcha expected to be completed within 3 years, to open new peaks and tourist route and improvement in telecommunication facilities through new OFC connection from Gurez to Drass.
Highlighting the growing tourism industry in Ladakh MP stressed upon LAHDC to formulate a guidelines and policy for the future scope and sustainability of tourism industry in Ladakh. Emphasizing the need for using the tourism fund judiciously to develop various infrastructures as per requirements MP said tourists should go with happy mind from Ladakh to be ambassador of Ladakh. He said that it’s our responsibility to retain our traditional culture and traditions and identity of Ladakh due to which tourist come to Ladakh.
Appreciating the role of tour operators for handling the tourist sensibly and professionally for by balancing the fragile eco system and environment protection besides maintaining the identity of Ladakh which is responsible for growth of tourism, LAHDC Chairman Dr.Sonam Dawa assured to improve the tourism infrastructure in Ladakh including solid waste management and drainage system. He also informed that 120 crores has been sanction to develop various infrastructures such as construction of toilet and tea stall at Pangong and Nobra valley and assures to spend the fund after consultation with tourist allied stakeholder.
Terming Ladakhi as adventure capital of India with number of facilities such as rafting, trekking, eco & culture tourist, mountaineering etc guest of honour Congress Legislative Party leader MLA Nawang Rigzin Jora said that tourism helps in restoration of Monasteries and Historical monument besides it helps in inculcating a sense of pride in our unique identity cultural. He added that tourism industry was renaissance in the economic growth of Ladakh benefiting all stakeholders thus tourism is like engine of Ladakh. He stressed upon harvesting the tourism industry intelligently keeping in view of fragile ecology, environment and preservation of our culture and tradition for the exponential growth of the Industry.
Mentioning about booming domestic influx in Ladakh region in the recent years, Ladakh Travel Trade Alliance chairman PT Kunzang emphasised on quality and responsible tourism. He also stressed upon Government support for initiating various alluring activities to promote winter tourism for Charder Trek, Ice and Snow games besides to make not been focusing on rural and educated youth through incentives and Introducing of more Airlines and frequency.
Earlier, presenting the welcome speech ALTOA president Rinchen Namgyal mentioned about the purpose of first ever convention that aimed to bring together all stakeholders on a common platform to discuss about opportunities and challenges to provide better service to the growing Tourism Industry. He informed that ALTOA was formed in 2004 under the leadership of late Tsering Spalbar Goba and since then his endeavours reached to a strong network with 400 existing tour operators in Leh. Apart from handling the tourist professionally for years ALTOA also helps the administration in organizing Ladakh festival, extends support during emergency including natural disaster including rendering financial assistance to needy, special drive to curb the menace of beggars in Leh said Rinchen. He informed Ladakh received record breaking of 2 lacks tourist this year and United Nation World Tourism Organisation predicts that Asian countries will lead the Tourism industry in years to come with India records with 8.8% increase every year.
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