Srinagar, Jul 27: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday called for developing a tourism model that is responsible, sustainable, and inclusive.
“Tourism must empower boatmen, pony owners, artisans, homestay families, and local youth,” he said, addressing the “Ethical Tourism Conclave” organised by the Tourist Trade Interest Guild, J&K.
In his keynote address, the Lieutenant Governor extended heartfelt congratulations to the organisers for the conclave, which he described as a significant step in redefining tourism as a moral responsibility for tourism stakeholders. He said the theme “Responsible Today, Sustainable Tomorrow, Beneficial for All” reflects the collective duty of society to safeguard natural and cultural heritage for future generations.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the remarkable progress achieved in the tourism sector. “Tourist arrivals have reached record levels, confidence among domestic and international travellers has been restored, investments have increased, and employment opportunities have expanded. However, the true success lies not in numbers alone but in ensuring that prosperity reaches local communities and contributes to social inclusion,” he said.
He said that “Responsible Tourism” must ensure that every visitor departs with cherished memories while natural resources thrive, calling for heightened sensitivity towards forests, lakes, and rivers, and reiterating that development must proceed in balance with conservation.
Sinha said that boatmen of Dal Lake, pony owners serving mountain trails, artisans engaged in crafts such as pashmina and papier-mâché, and families running homestays in Gurez and Bangus must be equal stakeholders in the tourism journey. “Profits should not remain confined to large enterprises. Tourism must provide dignified incomes, training, and opportunities to all stakeholders to ensure sustainability. Together, let us ensure that prosperity reaches the last village, the last family, and the last citizen in the queue,” he said.
The LG observed that sustainable tourism is an approach where nature and progress are partners, urging that infrastructure such as roads, hotels, and facilities must be developed with zero ecological impact. He called for eco-friendly tourism to become a mass movement, encouraging tourists and stakeholders to adopt practices such as avoiding single-use plastics, proper waste management, prudent use of water and energy, and respect for wildlife.
The Lieutenant Governor urged all stakeholders to translate discussions at the conclave into concrete action plans with clear goals, timelines, and evaluation mechanisms. He proposed certification standards for eco-friendly homestays and hotels to encourage healthy competition, comprehensive training programmes for youth to become protectors of nature and guardians of culture, and use of digital platforms to connect tourists directly with local communities.
“If local communities and youth combine innovation with sensitivity, link technology with culture, and development with environmental conservation, then I am confident that Jammu Kashmir can emerge as a model of sustainable tourism for the entire nation,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The conclave was attended by Tourist Trade Interest Guild Chairman Zahoor Ahmed Karnai, University of Kashmir Vice Chancellor Prof. Nilofer Khan, IUST Vice Chancellor Prof Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, DIG CKR Rajiv Pandey, SSP Srinagar Dr G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo, industry leaders, heads of various business organisations, members of Tourist Trade Interest Guild, and prominent citizens.
