Kargil: The Tourism Department Kargil, in collaboration with the District Police Kargil, successfully organized an Orientation Programme for taxi drivers on Monday at Tourist Reception Centre, Kargil.
The event was aimed to educate local drivers on responsible tourism practices, sustainable travel, and their role as cultural ambassadors of the region.
The event was graced by the presence of Dy.SP (Headquarters), Kargil, Anayat Ullah, Dy.SP Traffic, Kargil, Asif Mustafa (JKPS), DTI Shri Mohammad Nissar, Project Coordinator Swadesh Darshan 2.0 Shri Asif Hussain, Taxi Union President Ghulam Nabi, and Tourist Officer Kargil Shri Ghulam Rasool Lal.
The programme began with a welcome address by Mohammad Nissar, who emphasized the critical role of taxi drivers as the first point of contact for tourists.
He encouraged them to maintain a polite, honest, and informative attitude, as their conduct shapes the first impression of Ladakh.
Dy.SP Anayat Ullah spoke on how knowledge of local heritage and destinations like Karchay Khar, Draupadi Kund, Sanjak Valley, and Karpokhar can help attract tourists. He also stressed personal grooming and effective communication.
“First impression is the last impression,” he noted, urging drivers to adjust their tone and behavior based on the tourist’s comfort and curiosity, while strictly adhering to road safety rules and regulations.
Dy.SP Traffic Asif Mustafa highlighted the importance of presenting oneself professionally and suggested the distribution of brochures, maps, and attractive visuals to help drivers engage with tourists more effectively.
He noted that meaningful interactions encourage longer stays and help uplift the local economy.
A significant part of the programme was the address by Project Coordinator Shri Asif Hussain, who stressed the importance of sustainable tourism.
He warned against driving in ecologically fragile areas under tourist pressure, noting that such actions harm the environment and disturb local wildlife. He called upon drivers to act as responsible stewards of Ladakh’s natural heritage.
The programme concluded with a unifying message to promote responsible behavior, protect the environment, and contribute positively to the image and economy of not just Kargil, but the entire Ladakh region, India, and the world.
