Excelsior Correspondent
LEH, June 9: A hands-on workshop was held today in the vibrant border villages of Durbuk and Tangtse in District Leh, Ladakh, as part of the Government of India’s Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP). Organised by the Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the UT Administration of Ladakh, the Department of Tourism, Defence authorities, ITBP, tourism stakeholders, and the local administration, the event focused on enhancing livelihood opportunities through tourism promotion, cultural engagement, and capacity building.
The VVP aims to create sustainable livelihood options in remote border villages by encouraging home-stays, skill development, entrepreneurship, and responsible tourism practices. The workshop provided practical training and awareness on key tourism-related initiatives to local stakeholders from Durbuk, Tangtse, and nearby villages.
Participants were guided on registering and obtaining approval for Home-Stays and Bed & Breakfast establishments under the Ministry’s “Incredible India Bed & Breakfast/Homestay” scheme. Awareness was also raised about the “Incredible India Tourist Facilitators Certification Programme (IITFC)”—a digital initiative enabling locals to become certified tourist guides by learning online at their convenience. The programme is designed to offer alternate income opportunities to youth and residents interested in tourism.
Another key component of the workshop was the introduction and promotion of the YUVA Tourism Club. This initiative aims to instill interest, awareness, and a sense of responsibility in youth towards India’s natural and cultural heritage, while also encouraging sustainable and responsible tourism practices.
The event was attended by over 150 locals from villages including Durbuk, Tangtse, Man, Thrauk, Chushul, and Merak. Among them were around 40 B&B/Home-Stay owners, 50 youth interested in IITFC, and 40 handicraft entrepreneurs showcasing local items, cuisine, and woollen products. Students from Government Middle School Durbuk and Higher Secondary School Thrauk also participated enthusiastically, along with local media and tourism stakeholders from Leh.
Adding to the significance of the occasion, a Familiarisation (FAM) tour for media and tourism professionals was organised to highlight the region’s strategic tourism potential. Durbuk and Tangtse serve as key transit points to popular destinations like Pangong, Nubra, and the emerging location of Galwan. A digital tourism brochure highlighting these villages was launched during the event. Young members of the newly formed YUVA Tourism Club performed cultural programmes and momentos were distributed to guests and participants.
The workshop was graced by several dignitaries including Tashi Namgyal Yakzee, Executive Councillor; Konchok Stanzin, Councillor Chushul; Akun Sabharwal, IG, NW Frontier, ITBP; Brigadier M.R. Jagadish, Station Commander Tangtse; Tsering Namgyal, Chairman, IATO Ladakh Chapter; Rigzin Wangmo Lachic, President, All Ladakh Hotel and Guest House Association; Nawang Namgyal, Nambardar, Durbuk; Tsewang Dorjey, President, ALTOA; Padma, Assistant Director Tourism, UT Ladakh; and Mohd. Hamza, representing the Adventure Tour Operator Association.
All dignitaries expressed their support and commitment to making the tourism-driven development model a success in these vibrant frontier villages.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
