Kargil, October 29, 2024: Chairman/Chief Executive Councilor, LAHDC, Kargil, Dr Mohd. Jaffer Akhoon today attended the orientation cum distribution of home stay items under the revised Home Stay Policy-2023.

Executive Councilor, Tourism, Kacho Mohd Feroz, Executive Councilor, Zanskar Affairs, Er. Phuncok Tashi, Councilors, Director Tourism Ladakh, Kuzes Angmo, Additional Deputy Commissioner Kargil, Assistant Director Tourism, besides other concerned officials and beneficiaries were present.

The CEC Kargil, who was chief guest at the event, hailed Tourism Department Kargil for successfully organizing the event. He also congratulated the beneficiaries for receiving the homestay items.

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The CEC congratulated the whole of Kargil on behalf of LAHDC Kargil for Suru Valley being recognized as one of the world’s top 25 travel destinations for 2025 by the prestigious National Geographic, highlighting its stunning landscapes, vibrant cultural heritage, and tranquil atmosphere. Dr Akhoon said this recognition at the international platform will definitely boost tourism not only in Suru Valley but in Kargil as a whole.

The CEC Kargil stated that LAHDC Kargil is fully committed to boosting tourism in the district, and in this regard, many steps have already been taken to develop various tourist infrastructure projects.

Dr Akhoon said that a six-day itinerary has been prepared for tourists, allowing them to stay in Kargil for a longer period and explore the entire region.

The CEC also said that Kargil has a huge potential in various tourism sectors, including border tourism, pilgrimage tourism, and adventure tourism. He said border tourism is gradually booming in Kargil, with an increasing number of tourists from Middle Eastern countries expressing interest in visiting the region.

During the event, Dr. Akhoon announced Rs 5 lakh for creating promotional videos for Suru Valley. He said social media is an effective platform for promoting Kargil as a tourist destination.

He directed the Tourism Department to utilize the allocated Rs 5 lakh to create appealing promotional videos. Additionally, he instructed Assistant Director, Tourism Kargil to establish minimum rates for home stays that are specific to the area.

At the event, EC Kacho Mohd Feroz said that out of a total of 1,678 applicants, 500 beneficiaries have been identified by the committee as per the guidelines provided by the Ministry of Tourism. He also mentioned that in the next phase, 400 to 500 additional beneficiaries will be identified from the waiting list.

EC Tourism requested all the beneficiaries to utilize the items for the purpose. He also said that a third party committee will monitor the status of utilization of items and reports will be made accordingly.

The EC also informed that digitization of tourist destinations at Google India is under process and will soon be completed. This initiative will enable tourists to access information about various tourist destinations in Kargil at their comfort zones.

He also said that various tourist infrastructural developmental works like construction of Dak Bunglows, cafes, way site amenities, and others are undergoing in various components.

Meanwhile, former AD Tourism, Haji Hussain, Director Roots Ladakh, representative WWF Ladakh shared their experiences and also gave the orientation sessions to the beneficiaries.