Leh, Jan 17 — Ladakh’s hoteliers urged the administration to improve air connectivity, ease regulatory processes and strengthen basic infrastructure to support the revival of tourism in the region.
A delegation of the All Ladakh Hotel and Guest House Association (ALHGHA), led by its president Rigzin Wangmo Lachic, called on Ladakh Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra and submitted a memorandum outlining priority concerns facing the tourism industry.
“The revival and growth of tourism depends heavily on better air connectivity and the easing of international travel advisories,” members of the delegation said, stressing that limited access continues to deter visitors.
The association also sought simplification of hotel and guest house registration and compliance procedures, calling the current system cumbersome and in need of user-friendly reforms.
Environmental infrastructure featured prominently in the discussions, with the delegation raising concerns over sewage management in Leh and the implementation of Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) guidelines.
“Tourism growth must go hand in hand with environmentally responsible infrastructure,” the memorandum noted.
Hoteliers further pointed to gaps in public amenities, including the shortage of public convenience facilities across Ladakh, the rising feral dog population, and weaknesses in waste management systems, particularly in rural and emerging tourist destinations.
Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra assured the delegation that their concerns would be examined in consultation with relevant departments.
“The administration remains committed to promoting tourism in Ladakh in a sustainable, responsible and environmentally sensitive manner,” he said, adding that appropriate steps would be taken to address the issues raised.