The Ladakh Tourist Trade Alliance’s opposition to outside investment reflects their concerns about preserving unique identity and sustainable development of Ladakh as a tourism destination. It also wants to protect local interests and the fragile ecosystem of the region, writes Riyaz Wani
The Ladakh Tourist Trade Alliance (LTTA), a coalition of trade, tourism, religious, and political organizations in Leh, recently passed a resolution opposing investment by outsiders in the tourism sector of Ladakh. The alliance warned that if such investments continue, they would impose restrictions on these investors through non-cooperation from the local travel trade fraternity, as well as community and political organizations.
The alliance, comprising several prominent associations such as the All Ladakh Tour Operators Association Leh, All Ladakh Hotel and Guest House Association Leh, Ladakh Taxi Operators Cooperative Union Leh, and others, joined forces with various religious and political bodies in a meeting held in Leh. Their collective aim is to safeguard the tourism industry of Ladakh and protect the interests of the local people.
According to the Chairman of the Ladakh Tourist Trade Alliance (LTTA), P T Kunzang, the resolution seeks to preserve Ladakh as a unique tourist destination, protect local entrepreneurship and livelihoods, and safeguard the fragile ecosystem of the region.
“The resolution seeks preservation of Ladakh as a unique tourist destination and for protection of the avenues of entrepreneurship and livelihood of the local people, to safeguard the fragile ecosystem and oppose investment, in any form, in the tourism sector from outside the region,” Kunzang told reporters at a press conference in Leh.
“It was further resolved that during any instance of exploitation of this valuable local resource base in the shape of investment from outside sources, hidden or declared, direct or through any local agency, the local community and trade bodies will impose restrictions against such individuals, businesses or tourist trade enterprises,” he further said.
Ladakh has experienced significant growth in its tourism sector over the years, with the number of tourists increasing from 527 in 1974 to 327,000 in 2018. This sector plays a crucial role in the local economy, providing income and employment opportunities for the majority of the population.
The LTTA’s opposition to outside investment reflects their concerns about preserving the unique identity and sustainable development of Ladakh as a tourism destination. They have made it clear that they want to preserve local interests and the fragile ecosystem of the region while maintaining the economic benefits derived from tourism.
