Jammu Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Advocates Responsible and Sustainable Growth at Ethical Tourism Conclave

SRINAGAR, JULY 27 — Jammu Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha addressed the Ethical Tourism Conclave organized by the Tourist Trade Interest Guild, emphasizing the urgent need to reshape tourism as a collective responsibility toward nature, culture, and society. Speaking on the theme “Responsible Today, Sustainable Tomorrow, Beneficial for All,” Sinha highlighted that while the union territory has achieved record-breaking tourist arrivals, increased investments, and expanded employment opportunities over the past six years, true success is measured by social inclusion and dignity reaching every household. He called for a balanced approach where infrastructure development aligns strictly with zero ecological impact, encouraging eco-friendly practices such as eliminating single-use plastics, managing waste effectively, and conserving energy and water.

Underlining the necessity of an inclusive economy, Sinha stressed that small-scale stakeholders—including Dal Lake boatmen, mountain pony owners, traditional artisans, and homestay operators in remote areas like Gurez and Bangus—must share equally in the sector’s financial growth. He urged stakeholders to translate conclave discussions into actionable policies, proposing eco-friendly certification standards for hotels, digital platforms to connect visitors directly with local hosts, and training programs for youth to act as guardians of local heritage. Representatives from academia, government, and the tourism industry, including Kashmir University Vice Chancellor Nilofer Khan, Islamic University of Science and Technology Vice Chancellor Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, and Tourist Trade Interest Guild Chairman Zahoor Ahmed Karnai, attended the event to support the sustainable tourism roadmap.