Ladakh emerging as a responsible, sustainable global Tourism Destination: LG Kavinder
Unveils logo of Destination Ladakh, ‘Celebrate Ladakh’ calendar & STP Incentive Scheme
STATE TIMES NEWS
LEH: The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, on Thursday said that Ladakh is steadily emerging as a memorable, responsible and sustainable global tourism destination, with growth firmly rooted in cultural preservation, community participation and environmental responsibility.
He emphasized that Ladakh’s unique heritage, pristine natural landscape and resilient communities form the core of its global identity, and the UT Administration is committed to promoting tourism that is inclusive, balanced and respectful of local traditions and ecology. The Lt Governor was speaking at a programme organised by the Department of Tourism for the unveiling of the Destination Ladakh logo. He said the new tourism identity reflects Ladakh’s distinctive character and long-term vision for responsible tourism.
“This initiative marks an important step towards strengthening Ladakh’s presence on the national and international tourism map while ensuring sustainable livelihoods and lasting benefits for local communities,” he stated. Kavinder Gupta remarked that Destination Ladakh is not merely the unveiling of a logo, but an opportunity to present Ladakh’s culture, heritage and stories of resilience to the world. He noted that the design, colours and form of the logo strike a balance between tradition and subtle modernity, symbolising Ladakh’s warmth, resilience and understated dignity. He added that the initiative will promote balanced, year-round tourism and generate employment opportunities, particularly for youth and women.
Highlighting the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Lt Governor said the focus has consistently been on bringing remote and strategically important regions like Ladakh into the mainstream of development. Guided by this vision, the UT Administration is advancing innovation, sustainability and cultural preservation, positioning Ladakh as a responsible and globally relevant destination.
He informed that several major tourism projects are being implemented with support from the Ministry of Tourism, including Swadesh Darshan 2.0 projects such as Julley Leh Biodiversity Park (Rs 23.16 crore) and the LoC & Hunderman Village Experience in Kargil (Rs 11.45 crore). Other initiatives include development of Mushkoo Valley (Rs 9.77 crore), homestays in tribal clusters under PM-JUGA (Rs 4.59 crore), and upcoming Sound & Light and Water Screen Projection shows in Leh and Kargil, expected to be commissioned in 2026.
During the event, the Lt Governor also released the Celebrate Ladakh festival calendar, the STP Incentive Scheme for environmental protection, and Satellite Phone Procurement SOPs for emergency use by tour operators. Chairman/CEC LAHDC Kargil, Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, highlighted tourism potential in Kargil, especially Suru Valley, while senior officials outlined policy initiatives and future plans. The logo, created by Team Stringmo and inspired by the Bhoti letter “La,” was formally launched as Ladakh’s new tourism identity.
