Leh Ladakh's tourism sector stakeholders gathered at Leh Palace on September 27 to celebrate World Tourism Day, themed "Tourism and Peace." This year marks Ladakh’s 50th anniversary of tourism, dating back to 1974. The event was organized by the Tourism Department of Leh to commemorate this milestone.

Attendees included Additional District Development Commissioner Leh, Sonam Nurboo; Member of the Goa Board of Tourism, Mark Mendes; representatives from LTTA, ALTOA, ALHGHA, and the Biker Association; local community members; the Swadesh Darshan team; officials from the Tourism Department; and students from Moravian Mission School, Government Girls Higher Secondary School, and Government Boys Higher Secondary School.

The event commenced with a "Travel for Life" pledge, emphasizing a commitment to adopting a "planet-friendly, responsible lifestyle."

ADDC Sonam Nurboo praised Ladakh as a peaceful destination and highlighted the region's rich cultural, traditional, and ethnic heritage, which he described as the legacy of the ancestors. He emphasized that the tourism industry is deeply tied to peace, noting that the peaceful atmosphere in Ladakh attracts both domestic and international tourists. Nurboo honored the ancestors who maintained peace in the region and commended the local community for keeping peace as an integral part of their culture. He called the tourism sector the backbone and main driver of Ladakh’s economy.

PT Kunzang, Chairman of the Ladakh Tourist Trade Alliance, spoke about the environmental challenges posed by the growth of the tourism sector. He urged students and youth to be mindful of their impact on the environment. Kunzang emphasized that Ladakh’s culture, heritage, sacred sites, and remote trekking routes are key attractions for tourists. He encouraged all attendees to serve as brand ambassadors for Ladakh by showcasing the region's culture and the warm hospitality of its people. Kunzang also highlighted that Ladakh will be celebrating 50 years of tourism throughout the year.

The theme “Tourism and Peace” underscores the importance of peace in a world often marked by violence. It highlights the role of peace in fostering growth in the tourism sector and within individuals.

As part of the event, students and tourism stakeholders pledged to keep Ladakh clean, preserve its culture and heritage, avoid single-use plastics, and promote these initiatives among tourists.

The day concluded with a heritage walk and cleanliness drive, starting from Leh Palace and proceeding through Leh market. Students and stakeholders marched through the market, chanting slogans advocating for a healthier, greener, and cleaner Ladakh.