Ladakh tour operators clamp down on ‘outside’ investments

: Tour operators in Ladakh have shut the door on investments by outsiders in the region’s tourism sector, saying “non-local businesses” can’t be allowed to prosper at the local population’s expense.
“We aren’t against outsiders,” said P T Kunzang, chairperson of the Ladakh Travel Trade Alliance (LTTA) that is spearheading the agitation. “But we believe any investment by big businesses from outside in Ladakh’s tourism sector will adversely impact locals associated with tourism.”
At a presser in Leh on Saturday, LTTA urged the people of Ladakh to run their businesses themselves rather than leasing them out. “Ladakh’s tourism business should remain with Ladakh. Outsiders who intend to invest in Ladakh’s tourism industry should change their minds,” Kunzang said.
He said 80 to 90% of Ladakhis were directly or indirectly dependent on tourism. “It is a very short season, one lasting three to four months. Our people have taken loans in crores and are facing issues repaying them as tourist footfall is decreasing.”
Kunzang demanded that the govt make residency certificates mandatory for registration of tourism businesses, including hotels and travel agencies. He said LTTA had the backing of all religious groups and political parties, including Ladakh Buddhist Association, Anjuman-i-Imamia, BJP and Congress.
LTTA blacklisted 11 properties in the region that have been leased to outsiders.