Ladakh LG announces tourism reforms to ‘ease business’

SRINAGAR: The Ladakh government on Thursday initiated major reforms in the union territory, announcing deregulation of the hotel industry, freeing it from old regulations and bureaucracy. Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena said, “I have approved major reforms related to the ease of doing business aimed at deregulating the hospitality industry, reducing the compliance burden on stakeholders and establishing a unified, streamlined and citizen-friendly registration mechanism for tourism units.”The validity period of travel agency registration has been extended from one year to five years, and annual renewal is no longer required. Earlier, tour operators engaged in adventure and mountaineering activities had to register as “adventure tour operators” and “mountaineering tour operators” respectively, paying an additional registration fee of Rs 3,000 per person. This has been abolished.A unified category under the term “travel agency” has been introduced which will authorize registered entities to engage in all activities permitted under the Tourist Registration Act.The number of documents required to register a tour operator has been significantly reduced. The new framework also removes the requirements for character certificates, fixed bank balances and educational qualifications to run a travel agency.The existing homestay registration process involves multiple procedural requirements and documentation, which often acts as a barrier to local participation. The new framework reduces the number of documents required, making the process simpler and more convenient, encouraging community tourism and creating livelihood opportunities for local residents.The local government said the reforms guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s motto of “minimum government, maximum governance” will create a safe and secure atmosphere for tourists, expand tourism and make a significant contribution to strengthening the local economy.