Ladakh LG announces tourism reforms for ‘ease of doing business’ | India News
SRINAGAR: Inaugurating major reforms in the union territory, the Ladakh government on Thursday announced deregulation of the hospitality sector, freeing it from outdated regulations and bureaucratic interference. Lt Governor VK Saxena said, “I have approved major reforms related to ease of doing business with an aim to deregulate the hospitality sector, reduce compliance burden on stakeholders and create a unified, streamlined and citizen-friendly registration system for tourism units.”The registration period for tour operators has been extended from one year to five years, eliminating the need to renew every year. Tour and travel operators engaged in adventure and mountaineering activities are required to register separately as ‘Adventure Tour Operator’ and ‘Mountaineering Tour Operator’ separately at an additional registration fee of Rs 3,000 each. This has been removed.A unified category has been introduced under the name ‘Travel Agent’, which will authorize the registered entity for all activities permitted under the Registration of Tourism Act.The number of documents required for registration of tour operators has been significantly reduced. The new framework also removes the requirement of a character certificate, a certain bank balance and educational qualifications to run tour and travel agencies.The existing process of homestay registration involves multiple procedural requirements and documentation, which often acts as a barrier to local participation. The new framework reduces the number of documents required, makes the process simpler and more accessible, encourages community-based tourism and creates livelihood opportunities for local residents.The LG said the reforms guided by Prime Minister Modi’s directive of ‘minimum government, maximum governance’ will create a safe and secure environment for tourists, expand the tourism industry and contribute significantly to strengthening the local economy.
