To strengthen the rural economy by promoting responsible and sustainable tourism in Ladakh, the first Tourism Home Stay Policy was issued by the Department of Tourism UT Ladakh on December 7.

The policy was jointly prepared by the Department of Tourism and Wildlife Ladakh.

According to the policy, rural tourism can be a more effective tool to boost the tourism sector in Ladakh as its rural areas are endowed with amazing natural beauty, serene environment, heritage sites, and unique cultural flavor. The endorsement of rural tourism will ensure the dispersal of tourists from city congestion to the villages so that they can have a glimpse of the rural Ladakh and familiarize themselves with the unique village culture and heritage.
 
The policy further envisages harnessing the vast untapped rural tourism potential of Ladakh so that its benefit reaches out directly to the rural communities. 

The Home Stay Policy is expected to boost tourism in remote areas of Ladakh such as Changthang, Nubra, Singe-Lalok, Zanskar, Drass, Batalik, Shargole, Suru Valley, and Shakar-Chiktan areas of Ladakh.

One of the highlights of the scheme is the Hospitality Training/ Skill development to the stakeholders/ personnel engaged, besides identifying Eco Guides to provide training to the local youth. 

Regarding the selection of the Home Stay beneficiaries, various committees are constituted at the level of Director Tourism, Ladakh to scrutinize, monitor, and approval the cases.