Leh, May 03 (Scoop News)-Chairman/Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Leh, Tashi Gyalson, in the presence of DC/CEO, LAHDC Leh, Santosh Sukhadeve, held a meeting today with key representatives from Ladakh’s tourism industry. The delegation included P.T. Kunzang, President of the Ladakh Tourism Trade Alliance (LTTA); Tsewang Dorjey, President of the All Ladakh Tour Operators Association (ALTOA); Rigzin Lachic, President of the All Ladakh Hotel and Guest House Association (ALHGHA); Tsewang Namgyal, General Secretary of ALTOA; Norboo Wangchuk, General Secretary of ALHGHA; and Nawang Tashi, Vice President. The delegation informed that tourists from across the country have started arriving and are travelling across various regions of Ladakh. They reaffirmed the tourism sector’s commitment to providing warm hospitality, necessary information, and support to all visitors. They also expressed gratitude for the increase in VPN registration counters, which has eased the issuance of Protected Area Permits (PAP) for foreign tourists. A request was also made to take up the matter with MHA to grant regional registration authority powers to the DC/CEO of Leh. The delegation requested for the early opening of the Leh–Manali road. In response, the Hon’ble CEC informed that the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and Project Himank are working to restore the route, with efforts underway to open it at the earliest. They further raised concern over misinformation circulating in the public domain portraying Ladakh as unsafe for tourists. The Hon’ble CEC assured that Ladakh is safe for travel and urged visitors to ignore such rumours. He also reiterated that the Hill Council is committed to promoting tourism and will ensure all necessary support for the safety and well-being of visitors and will address their concerns with UT Administration for further necessary steps. The meeting concluded with the Hon’ble CEC reaffirming that Ladakh welcomes all tourists with open arms, and that the administration, along with tourism stakeholders, is fully prepared for the ongoing season, with few more destinations likely to open in June.
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