- “Sustainable Homestay, Responsible Traveler, and Sustainable Tourism Destination: Evidence from Ladakh, India.”
Leh, July 08: In a landmark achievement for the University of Ladakh (UoL), two young researchers from the Department of Travel and Tourism Management (DTTM) presented their groundbreaking research at the 20th Asia Pacific Forum for Graduate Students Research in Tourism. Held from June 12 to 14, 2024, at Prince of Songkla University in Phuket, Thailand, this prestigious event was jointly organized by the School of Hotel and Tourism Management, Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism, Prince of Songkla University, and the School of Hotel and Tourism Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
This forum, renowned for showcasing the finest tourism research globally, saw Mr. Tsering Jorphel and Mr. Nawang Gyalchan present their innovative studies under the guidance of Dr. Rajinder Kumar, Coordinator of DTTM, UoL. Their research focused on critical aspects of sustainable tourism, particularly in the unique context of Ladakh, a region increasingly affected by the dual challenges of mass tourism and ecological preservation.
Mr. Nawang Gyalchan presented his paper titled “Sustainable Homestay, Responsible Traveler, and Sustainable Tourism Destination: Evidence from Ladakh, India.” His research explored how responsible traveler behavior can be harnessed through sustainable homestay initiatives to support Ladakh’s tourism sector while preserving its fragile environment.
Mr. Tsering Jorphel’s paper, “Exploring the Mediating Effect of Eco Camps between Responsible Traveler and Sustainable Tourism Destination,” investigated the role of eco camps as a mediator between responsible tourism practices and the long-term sustainability of tourism destinations in Ladakh.
Mr. Nawang Gyalchan, expressed his gratitude for the support received from various sponsors, including ALTOA, ALGHA, Ladakh Taxi Union, and Truck Union of Ladakh, which helped cover partial travel expenses for the research tour. He also acknowledged the support from LAHDC Leh and the university administration for their role in implementing NEP 2020, which has been instrumental in fostering a robust research ecosystem at UoL.
Reflecting on their experience, Mr. Jorphel remarked, “The experience was incredibly enriching, offering exposure to diverse perspectives from universities around the world. I encourage my juniors to approach their research with confidence and thorough preparation.”
Mr. Gyalchan shared his thoughts, stating, “Tourism is an ever-evolving field with significant potential for community benefit. This conference has been a transformative experience for me, and I hope it inspires other students to explore careers in this vital industry.”
The presentations highlighted the urgent need for responsible tourism practices to balance economic growth with environmental conservation in Ladakh. The insights gained from this international forum are expected to contribute significantly to the development of Ladakh as a model for sustainable tourism.
Dr. Rajinder Kumar emphasized the importance of tourism education and research for Ladakh’s future, noting, “Our participation in this forum is a testament to the growing impact of tourism research from our university. It is essential for future research to continue addressing the challenges of tourism management in Ladakh.”
