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Home » India Travel News » Ladakh Boosts Travel Sector With The New Vibrant Village Programme Integrating Responsible Practices, Youth Empowerment, And Local Sustainability Tuesday, June 10, 2025Ladakh’s Vibrant Village Programme is aimed at empowering local communities, stimulating the economy, and fostering sustainable tourism in the region. Promoting skill development, cultural preservation, and youth participation, the programme encourages responsible tourist practices while generating new avenues for economic growth. With its focus on local participation and sustainable development, Ladakh is leading the way towards a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow in the tourism economy.On June 9, 2025, the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, in collaboration with the Ladakh Union Territory Administration, local tourism departments, defence forces, ITBP, local administration, and tourism stakeholders, organized an interactive workshop in the lively villages of Durbuk and Tangtse, located in the Leh district of Ladakh. This initiative was part of the broader Vibrant Village Programme (VVP), which aims to foster livelihood opportunities through the promotion of tourism, cultural heritage, skill development, entrepreneurship, and responsible tourism practices.The VVP workshop for local stakeholders in Durbuk and Tangtse focused on imparting essential knowledge and practical skills to help enhance the region’s tourism sector. The goal was to empower local residents, encourage sustainable tourism practices, and support community-driven development.Key Activities in the WorkshopThe workshop was designed to provide participants with hands-on guidance on several key aspects of tourism development. The following three major activities were highlighted during the session:Guidance on Home-Stay and Bed & Breakfast RegistrationLocal stakeholders were given in-depth insights on how to register and apply for approvals to operate their homestay and bed & breakfast establishments under the Ministry of Tourism’s “Incredible India Bed & Breakfast/Homestay Establishments” scheme. This initiative allows participants to tap into government support, helping them develop sustainable tourism businesses that can benefit from national visibility. By adopting responsible tourism practices, these businesses can not only enhance their economic prospects but also contribute to the preservation of local culture and heritage.Awareness of the Incredible India Tourist Facilitators Certification Programme (IITFC/IITG)Participants were introduced to the Incredible India Tourist Facilitators Certification Programme (IITFC), a digital initiative designed to train individuals to become certified tourist facilitators through self-paced online courses. This certification program opens up new income-generating opportunities for locals, particularly in the tourism sector, and promotes a deeper understanding of best practices for responsible tourism. Successful completion of this programme provides the necessary skills to guide tourists while enhancing the overall tourism experience in the region.Formation of YUVA Tourism ClubsThe workshop introduced the idea of YUVA Tourism Clubs, created to involve youth in the tourism industry. These clubs aim to instill a sense of responsibility and cultural pride among youth while encouraging them to actively contribute to promoting responsible tourism. The initiative aims to create awareness about preserving natural and cultural heritage, ensuring that future generations play a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity of Ladakh’s tourism offerings.Community Involvement and ParticipationThe event saw strong participation from over 150 local residents representing the villages of Durbuk, Tangtse, Man, Thrauk, Chushul, and Merak. Among the attendees were 40 home-stay and bed & breakfast operators, 50 youth participants for the IITFC/IITG program, 40 handicraft owners, and 37 students from local schools. Tourism stakeholders and media representatives from Leh also joined the event, highlighting the growing interest in Ladakh’s tourism potential.The workshop also attracted several key dignitaries, including Tashi Namgyal, Executive Councillor for District Leh, Konchok Stanzin, Councillor for Chushul, and Akun Sabharwal, IPS, IG for the ITBP’s NW Frontier in Leh. Additionally, Present at the event were Brigadier M.R. Jagadish, the Station Commander of Tangste, and Tsering Namgyal, the Chairman of the IATO Ladakh Chapter. Other distinguished participants included Rigzin Wangmo Lachic, President of the All Ladakh Hotel and Guest House Association, Nawang Namgyal, Nambardar of Durbuk, and Tsewang Dorjey, President of the All Ladakh Tour Operators Association. Tour Operator Association (ALTOA), Padma Angmo, Assistant Director of Tourism in Leh, and Mohd. Hamza, President of the Adventure Tour Operator Association.Strategic Location of Durbuk and TangtseDurbuk and Tangtse hold a strategic position as important mid-points for popular tourist destinations such as Pangong, Nubra, and the emerging Galwan area. Given their prime location, the villages are poised to become key hubs for both regional tourism and cultural exchange. To further boost the visibility of these areas, a familiarization (FAM) tour for media personnel and tourism stakeholders was organized during the event.In addition to the workshops and discussions, a digital brochure promoting Durbuk and Tangtse was unveiled. The brochure highlights the rich cultural and natural assets of the region, positioning the villages as essential stops for any traveller exploring Ladakh.Youth Engagement and Cultural ShowcaseThe event also featured a cultural program presented by the young members of the newly formed YUVA Tourism Clubs. Their performances added an energetic and vibrant touch to the proceedings, reflecting the region’s deep cultural heritage. To commemorate the occasion, participants were presented with momentos, which were symbolic of the efforts being made to engage the community and build a sustainable tourism industry.Commitment to Responsible and Sustainable TourismThe dignitaries present at the event delivered keynotes that emphasized the importance of responsible tourism. They highlighted the need for all stakeholders to work together to ensure the tourism industry in Ladakh grows in a sustainable manner. There was a unanimous agreement that maintaining Ladakh’s cultural integrity, natural beauty, and local livelihoods would require a balanced approach to tourism development. The government and local administration expressed their support for initiatives like the Vibrant Village Programme, which can not only boost the local economy but also promote Ladakh as a model for sustainable and responsible tourism.Conclusion: A Path Towards Empowering Local CommunitiesThe workshop in Durbuk and Tangtse exemplifies the ongoing efforts to empower local communities and boost the tourism potential of Ladakh. By offering hands-on guidance on homestay registration, certification programs, and the formation of youth tourism clubs, the Vibrant Village Programme aims to create a sustainable future for Ladakh’s tourism sector. With the collective involvement of the government, local administration, and tourism stakeholders, this initiative represents a significant step toward developing Ladakh as a world-class tourism destination, driven by the community’s active participation and responsible practices.The Vibrant Village Programme of Ladakh is empowering youth, promoting culture conservation and skill up-gradation, and fostering economic growth through sustainable tourism. This initiative is revolutionizing the nature of Ladakh’s tourism scenario.As the region’s tourism landscape continues to grow, it is essential to maintain a balance between economic development and the preservation of Ladakh’s unique cultural and natural heritage. The success of these initiatives will not only benefit the local economy but also ensure that future generations inherit a vibrant, sustainable tourism industry.
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