The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, in collaboration with the Ladakh Union Territory Administration, local tourism departments, defence forces, ITBP, tourism stakeholders, and the local administration, organized a hands-on workshop at the Vibrant Villages of Durbuk and Tangtse in Leh district, Ladakh, on June 9, 2025.
The workshop was part of the Vibrant Village Programme (VVP), which aims to generate livelihood opportunities through the promotion of tourism, cultural heritage, skill development, entrepreneurship, and responsible tourism practices.
The Hands-on workshop for Local stakeholders of Durbuk and Tangtse villages covered the following three major activities:
Guidance on Home-Stay and Bed & Breakfast Registration: Local stakeholders received detailed insights into how to register and apply for approvals for their homestay and bed & breakfast establishments under the Ministry of Tourism’s “Incredible India Bed & Breakfast/Homestay Establishments” scheme. This will allow them to leverage the government’s support for sustainable tourism practices and boost their economic prospects.
Awareness of the Incredible India Tourist Facilitators Certification Programme (IITFC/IITG): Participants learned about this digital initiative, which enables individuals to become certified tourist facilitators through self-paced online training. Successful completion of this programme opens new income opportunities for locals and promotes a deeper understanding of tourism best practices.
Formation of YUVA Tourism Clubs: The workshop also introduced the YUVA Tourism Club concept to engage youth in tourism, instilling a sense of responsibility and cultural pride. The aim is to encourage responsible tourism practices and generate awareness of natural and cultural heritage.
The event saw participation from over 150 locals across Durbuk, Tangtse, Man, Thrauk, Chushul, and Merak villages. These included 40 B&B/home-stay operators, 50 youths for the IITFC/IITG programme, 40 handicraft owners, and 37 students from local schools. Tourism stakeholders and media from Leh also attended.
Key dignitaries present included Tashi Namgyal, Yakzee, Executive Councillor, District Leh, Ladakh, Konchok Stanzin, Councillor, Chushul, Akun Sabharwal, IPS, IG, NW Frontier, ITBP, Leh, Brigadier M.R Jagadish, Station Commander, Tangste, Tsering Namgyal, Chairman, IATO Ladakh Chapter, Rigzin Wangmo Lachic, President, All Ladakh Hotel and Guest House Association, Leh, Nawang Namgyal, Nambardar, Durbuk, Tsewang Dorjey, President All Ladakh Tour Operator Association (ALTOA), Padma Angmo, Assistant Director Tourism, Leh, UT of Ladakh and Mohd. Hamza, Adventure Tour Operator Association.
Durbuk and Tangtse also serve as key mid-points for popular tourist destinations like Pangong, Nubra, and the emerging Galwan area. Given their strategic location, a familiarisation (FAM) tour for media and tourism stakeholders was organized. A digital brochure on Durbuk and Tangtse was unveiled during the event. Young members of the YUVA Tourism Club presented cultural programmes, and momentos were distributed. Dignitaries shared insights, delivered key notes, and pledged their support for the success of these initiatives.
