New Delhi: Union Minister for Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Kavinder Gupta attended the 33rd edition of the South Asia Travel & Tourism Exchange (SATTE) at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka in New Delhi, where they highlighted tourism’s growing role in economic development and promoted Ladakh as an emerging global destination.
The annual travel and tourism exposition was attended by delegates, industry leaders and tour operators from India and abroad.
Addressing the gathering, the Union Tourism Minister said the sector has moved to the centre of the country’s development agenda in recent years. He described tourism as a major driver of livelihood generation, entrepreneurship and inclusive growth, adding that modern travellers increasingly seek authentic experiences, wellness, heritage and meaningful cultural connections.
Shekhawat said the government is adopting a comprehensive approach to develop tourism through heritage conservation, environmental sustainability and community participation, with the aim of positioning India as a responsible, experience-led global destination.
Speaking on the occasion, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta highlighted development initiatives undertaken in the Union Territory, particularly improvements in road connectivity linking Leh with remote border areas. He also referred to the ongoing Zoji La Tunnel project, which is expected to provide all-weather connectivity to Ladakh and further boost tourism.
Gupta said Ladakh hosts several internationally known attractions, including Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, Leh town and Khardung La pass, along with sites such as Tso Moriri, Hemis Monastery, Shanti Stupa, Zanskar Valley, Lamayuru Monastery and Hanle, which houses the Indian Astronomical Observatory.
Describing Ladakh as a fast-emerging tourism destination, he said the administration has taken steps to promote year-round tourism, including scheduling Union Territory-level festivals, participating in national and international travel marts, launching a tourism logo and organising familiarisation tours for travel operators.
He added that the government is simplifying registration procedures for hotels and tour operators through an online portal and supporting environmental sustainability measures such as sewage treatment infrastructure.
Inviting tour operators to include Ladakh prominently in their travel packages, the Lieutenant Governor assured full support and facilitation to ensure a safe and memorable experience for visitors.
Later, Gupta inaugurated the Ladakh Pavilion at the expo and interacted with tourism stakeholders.
