Short course aims to sharpen guiding skills and promote sustainable tourism in Leh
The State Institute of Hotel Management (SIHM), Leh, on 22 September 2026 inaugurated a 7-day Advanced Refresher Course for tour and travel guides and operators aimed at strengthening professional skills and supporting sustainable tourism across Ladakh. The programme is being organised by SIHM Ladakh in collaboration with DCI Multi Skills Private Limited, officials said.
The inauguration was attended by Principal of SIHM Leh, Shri Sachin Bali, JKAS; Vice-President of the Taxi Union, Shri Rinchen; tour and travel guide Shri Ajaz Ahmad; and Shri Navid Wani representing DCI Multi Skills Private Limited. The ceremony opened with the traditional lighting of the lamp and presentation of khataks to the dignitaries, the report added.
"Participants will receive certificates on successful completion and are encouraged to use the training to enhance professional capabilities," the SIHM principal said at the inauguration, according to the organisers.
The course curriculum, as outlined by organisers, focuses on destination knowledge, interpretation and communication skills, and sustainable tourism practices. Resource persons from the training partner will cover aspects of promoting homestays and leveraging social media for tourism promotion, organisers said.
- Duration: 7 days (commenced 22 September 2026)
- Organisers: SIHM Ladakh in collaboration with DCI Multi Skills Private Limited
- Key aims: Skill development, destination interpretation, sustainable tourism, promotion of homestays
- Certification: Certificates to be awarded on successful completion
At the inauguration, Shri Sachin Bali emphasised the importance of continuous skill development for the tourism workforce in Ladakh and urged participants to fully engage with the seven-day programme. Shri Navid Wani underlined the role of sustainable tourism and the potential of social media in promoting homestays and tourism opportunities in remote areas, according to the event report. Vice-President of the Taxi Union, Shri Rinchen, highlighted the dependence of many local livelihoods on tourism and stressed coordination among stakeholders while preserving Ladakh's culture and identity.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Course | 7-Day Advanced Refresher Course for Tour and Travel Guides and Operators |
| Start date | 22 September 2026 |
| Venue | State Institute of Hotel Management, Leh |
| Organisers | SIHM Ladakh & DCI Multi Skills Private Limited |
| Participants | Tour and travel guides, operators, taxi union representatives |
Course organisers said the training will include practical sessions designed to improve interaction with visitors, accurate interpretation of local culture and environment, and techniques for promoting local homestays and micro-enterprises through digital channels. Certificates will be issued on successful completion, the report noted.
For residents and stakeholders, the programme is intended to enhance service standards across the tourism value chain in Leh — from guiding and interpretation to hospitality at homestays — while underlining the need to balance tourism growth with cultural preservation and ecological sensitivity. The involvement of the Taxi Union and local guides reflects an attempt to coordinate different stakeholders whose livelihoods are linked to tourism flows, the organisers said.
Participants and stakeholders with queries about course content or certification were advised to contact SIHM Leh for details, the event communication stated.
