Leh, September 27, 2024: World Tourism Day with the theme “Tourism and Peace” was organized and celebrated by Department of Tourism Leh, at the historic Leh Palace today on September 27. Additional District Development Commissioner Leh Sonam Nurboo was the Chief Guest for the event and Member Goa board of Tourism Mark Mendes served as a special guest.

The program was attended by students from Moravian Mission School, Government Girls Higher Secondary School and Government Boys Higher Secondary School, members from Tourism Industry, LTTA, ALTOA, ALHGHA, Biker Association, local community members, Swadesh Darshan team and officers/ officials of the Tourism Department and other stakeholders.

The event began by taking a ‘Travel for Life pledge’ which emphasized on adapting a “planet-friendly, responsible lifestyle”. Ladakh Tourist Trade Alliance Chairman PT Kunzang spoke about ‘50 years of tourism in Ladakh’ and how it has played a crucial role in the development of Ladakh. He added that it has served as a source of income for many in the region. He also added that a responsible tourism will help us to care for our fragile eco system and sustain our cultural heritage.

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During the event, Chief Guest, ADDC Leh Sonam Nurboo stressed on how peace is the most important factor to boost tourism. He added that tourism has directly benefited other sectors such as agriculture, transport, marketing and so on and it has been a key factor to boost economy of the region. He also stressed on having a sustainable tourism for the region during the occasion.

Senior Guide Sonam Gyatso briefed the students and participants about the history of Leh Palace. At the end of the programme, Under Secretary, Tourism and Cultural Department Mohd Ali Tak gave the vote of thanks. He expressed his gratitude to Administrative Secretary Tourism Vikram Malik Singh, Deputy Commissioner Santosh Sukhdeve, ADDC Sonam Nurboo, Archeological Survey of India Dr Spalzin, all the stakeholders of Tourism sector and all the guest and students present for the event to make the event a successful one.

The programme was followed by a Heritage walk with a cleanliness drive to mark the Swachhata hi Seva campaign, by all the participants in coordination with Municipal Committee. Later, students and other participants did a peace walk in Leh Market area to create awareness about Swachhata hi Seva campaign on World Tourism Day.