Leh, Nov 01, 2024: The Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd) in the presence of Chairman/CEC, LAHDC Leh, Advocate Tashi Gyalson distributed homestay items under Ladakh Homestay Policy 2023 in a function organised by Department of Tourism, UT Ladakh at Convention Centre Takski-Thang in Leh. 28 items, including mattress, quilt, bed sheet, blanket, wooden bed, solar water heater, washing machine, etc were distributed to beneficiaries free of cost.

Stating that homestay is not a new concept, the HLG mentioned priority given to promoting the tourism industry in Ladakh. He mentioned that a lot of development has taken place in Ladakh, including the tourism sector after the formation of Ladakh as a separate Union Territory in 2019. Highlighting the subsidy provided by the UT Administration and the Hill Councils for the beneficiaries under the Ladakh Homestay Policy 2023, the HLG asked the beneficiaries to make full use of the homestay items provided to them.

The HLG stated that the aim should be progressing and promoting Ladakh tourism to beat the Southeast Asian countries for the benefit of citizens of Ladakh engaged in the tourism industry. He also highlighted five elements essential in a homestay, i.e. safety and security of tourists, ensuring cleanliness, clean washroom, hot and hygienic food and good service to customers. He also stated that running a homestay is a business full of responsibility and affection.

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Wishing the best to the beneficiaries, the HLG assured to provide all possible assistance to support the sustenance of the beneficiaries.

The HLG distributed homestay items to selected beneficiaries during the event. He also inspected the homestay model, including all 28 items distributed among the beneficiaries.

Chairman/CEC, LAHDC Leh, Advocate Tashi Gyalson informed about the subsidy provided to beneficiaries under the Ladakh Homestay Policy 2023 by the Hill Council and UT Administration. He shared that the objective of homestays is to ensure equitable distribution of tourists across Ladakh to boost rural tourism. He highlighted initiatives taken to ensure the equitable distribution of tourism in Ladakh such as allowing foreigners to stay overnight at Hanley, the opening of Siachen Base for tourists, etc. Chairman, LAHDC Leh, Advocate Tashi Gyalson advised the beneficiaries to maintain a register of tourists who stay at their homestays, keep the rooms neat and clean and inform the tourists of Ladakh’s rich culture and heritage.   

Earlier, in her welcome address, Director of the Tourism Department, Ms Kunzes Angmo, JKAS, informed the HLG that 236 applications were approved from 895 applications and subsequently homestay essentials were distributed among them to foster community growth and inspire hospitality. Assistant Director, Tourism Department, Leh, Ms Padma Angmo, JKAS, gave the vote of thanks.

Chairman/CEC, LAHDC Leh, Advocate Tashi Gyalson; Councillors from LAHDC Leh; officials from the Tourism Department; district officials and beneficiaries were present during the function.